Ross Barkley

[PeterWithesShin]

wrong thread

[chrisw1]

He’s entirely necessary- see our midfield depth at the end of last season.

It doesn't work like that though does it? We need players of equal  superb ability so that we can interchange  game by game not just have someone who is likely to only sit on the bench and be very rusty when required.

I’d say he’s pretty interchangeable with Tielemans and Luiz.  He’ll also give us options to support Rogers and Ramsey if needed.  He’ll have a good environment around him a hopefully he’ll thrive.

Of course there’s a scenario where it doesn’t work out and he becames a bit of a drain, but right now I’m quite hopeful.

[VillaTim]

Each day he doesn't sign suggests more and more to me there's nothing in this .

[PeterWithesShin]

Each day he doesn't sign suggests more and more to me there's nothing in this .

The fact the transfer window isn't open might play a part.

[enigma]

He’s entirely necessary- see our midfield depth at the end of last season.

We need more bodies in the squad but why is it entirely necessary that it's him?

[VillaTim]

Each day he doesn't sign suggests more and more to me there's nothing in this .

The fact the transfer window isn't open might play a part.

Thought Free's could move before .

[pauliewalnuts]

Each day he doesn't sign suggests more and more to me there's nothing in this .

The fact the transfer window isn't open might play a part.

Thought Free's could move before .

He's not a free, there's a (small) fee involved, contract runs into next season.

[Rigadon]

Each day he doesn't sign suggests more and more to me there's nothing in this .

The fact the transfer window isn't open might play a part.

Oh, here he is with his ‘facts’. 

[PaulWinch again]

Each day he doesn't sign suggests more and more to me there's nothing in this .

I visualise you, in a “I 8 Diaby” Villa Shirt, rocking back and forth each time you make posts akin to this.

[VillaTim]

Each day he doesn't sign suggests more and more to me there's nothing in this .

The fact the transfer window isn't open might play a part.

Thought Free's could move before .

He's not a free, there's a (small) fee involved, contract runs into next season.

Ok my bad, i thought he was a free agent.

[RamboandBruno]

He’s entirely necessary- see our midfield depth at the end of last season.

We need more bodies in the squad but why is it entirely necessary that it's him?

Because the manager wants him

[PaulWinch again]

Yes and it’s low cost for a player of his ability, who has just put in a great season.

[eye digress]

I would see it as Barkley in, Chambers out, at comparable fees. Think that's a reasonable exchange, notwithstanding the risks.

[Tokyo Sexwhale]

Why are people acting like Barkley is going to be our main signing for the season?

He's a high-skilled player coming in as cover/depth/rotation.  If somehow he does play himself into the starting XI, it's because he will have earned it.

We've already seen what happens when we get an injury or a suspension to one of Luiz, Tielemans or McGinn - we turn to shit.  If two of them are out at the same time, or they're running on fumes next May, then we'll be screwed just like this season.

If we want to compete on multiple fronts, with FFP constraints, then adding players with definite physical and technical qualities like Barkley is a good risk to take.
 

[enigma]

He’s entirely necessary- see our midfield depth at the end of last season.

We need more bodies in the squad but why is it entirely necessary that it's him?

Because the manager wants him

Yeah, great answer