Ross Barkley exits Luton for Aston Villa, eyes silverware under Unai Emery and says Champions League 'big incentive'
By Nancy Gillen
Updated 01/07/2024 at 17:53 GMT+1
Aston Villa have signed 30-year-old Ross Barkley on a permanent deal as the club look to bolster their squad ahead of next season’s UEFA Champions League campaign. Barkley spent last season at Luton Town, but has departed the club following their relegation from the Premier League. The midfielder said his ambition next season was to "win a trophy".
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Video credit: TNT Sports
Ross Barkley has signed a permanent deal with Aston Villa, leaving Luton Town after one season with the club.
The 30-year-old made 32 Premier League appearances for Luton in 2023/24 after joining as a free agent.
Barkley looked rejuvenated at Kenilworth Road, having previously struggled during a one-year stint at Ligue 1 club Nice, but has departed following Luton’s relegation from the Premier League.
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It will be Barkley’s second spell at Aston Villa after spending the 2020-21 season at the club on loan from Chelsea.
The team have risen rapidly up the Premier League table under manager Unai Emery and are set to play in the UEFA Champions League next season.
“Over the last few years the club has made huge strides since I was last at the club,” Barkley said. “As an outsider looking in, it looked fantastic, and to be a part of that is fantastic for me.
"Playing in the Champions League is a big incentive for me and the club, so I’m looking forward to that.”
Barkley started his career with Everton and made over 100 appearances from 2010 to 2018.
He joined Chelsea as one of England’s most promising midfielders, but his career has stalled since then and he has not played for the national team since 2019.
Barkley expressed a desire to win trophies with Aston Villa, who have also recently signed Samuel Iling-Junior and Enzo Barrenechea to bolster their squad ahead of a season in the Champions League.
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This followed the departure of midfielder Douglas Luiz to Juventus and the signing of defender Ian Maatsen.
“For me, and everyone else at the club and the fans, [the ambition] is to win a trophy,” Barkley said.
“The club came so close last season and were unfortunate. With additions to the already great squad that we’ve got it’s going to be pivotal for the season. Hopefully we can win a trophy.”
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