Ross Barkley

[PeterWithesShin]

Signing a relegated player that played well against us, even the CL bound Villa are required to uphold that club tradition.

[Percy McCarthy]

Ross Barkley isn't happening. Everyone get some sleep .

But your hero Romano has spoken, so I’m too excited.

(Plus I’m at work)

[Monty]

I'm all for second chances - after all, if Bailey had had only one season with us we'd probably be calling him a flop too.

Come on back Ross, you'll find we're even bigger time now than the first time round. Hopefully it's to your liking!

[Toronto Villa]

Coming in to CL Villa vs mid table Villa having just survived relegation on the last day the previous year are two very different situations. I expect Barkley to help us when called upon under the guidance of Emery.

[ROBBO]

It's only speculation at the moment but if he does come then it's because Emery wants him and that'd good enough for me.

[brontebilly]

Let’s not wet the bed and think he’s going to replace Luiz or Tielemans. He’s more than likely going to upgrade Dendonker and that is a bone fide upgrade.

He won't replace Kamara (or the Donk), that's not his game and that's where we are weakest. If he's a playmaker from deep these days then he's competing with Luiz and Tielemans for minutes. So he's not an upgrade on anyone. For football reasons only, it reminds me of the Zaniolo signing when we already had Diaby and Bailey, we don't need a player like Barkley.

If you can ignore, his career at the top level has been a joke for years bar last season, he already cost us a 12m loan fee + wages and bombed spectacularly.

[Axl Rose]

I'm sure Emery will get more out of him than Smith did, but still, I'd rather someone a bit more exciting as we prepare for our Champions League adventure.

Anyway, if you come, good luck Ross.

[Toronto Villa]

I don’t see how signing Barkley is any indication of how our overall transfer window will look. It’s an opportunistic acquisition that adds depth to the squad for not very much. I look at this like us bringing back Ashley Young. A lot of people thought he was past it at PL level and he ended up proving really valuable for the short time he was back with us.

[ChicagoLion]

What the season shown is that squad depth is critical, players are now injured more often in the post covid world.
It could be another indication that Luiz is on his way.

[Goldenballs]

Decent bit of business, all things considered, although talk of a 'bumper 3 year contract' is a bit worrying. Hope he's still motivated.

[FatSam]

Decent bit of business, all things considered, although talk of a 'bumper 3 year contract' is a bit worrying. Hope he's still motivated.

Yes, that’s the he only bit that I’m concerned about. I can’t help thinking that part of the reason for his success at Luton was the highly incentivised nature of a short term deal.

[Mister E]

My concern is that he had a season at Luton where he played most of their games and was the central cog of their midfield. It will be different with us and I wonder whether bits of games here and there will suit him.

[RichardBatchelor]

It's  going to be a very long summer at this rate .

Tell you what, it is for people who just do not listen when PSR is discussed.

As others have pointed out up this page, we CAN NOT go and spend what we want, we're in a tight spot already, and as the manager himself said last week, we need to be intelligent in what we do.

Anyone thinking we'll be dropping 50m on a player this summer - unless we make a big sale - is going to be really disappointed.

We can't do it.

Which is great news for the Sky five, who no doubt can and will soend 50 million on a player (s)

[chrisw1]

My concern is that he had a season at Luton where he played most of their games and was the central cog of their midfield. It will be different with us and I wonder whether bits of games here and there will suit him.

Yep, that’s a concern.  But he’s a good player and is very good at looking after the ball under pressure, so if he does keep fit and motivated then I’m sure he’ll be useful

[Nev]

I don't see any negatives with this, unless he disrupts the dressing room.