Ross Barkley

[Clampy]

It's an interesting and surprising one but Emery obviously thinks he's a player who can fit in to how he wants us to play. It's not costing us much fee wise and I don't  think it will mean we'll continue buying on the cheap either. I'm fine with it.

[RamboandBruno]

Last time around, the combination of him, Grealish and McGinn in midfield, for 6 or 7 games, gave us some of the shexiest futbol I’d seen down the Villa in years and years, including the dismantling of both Liverpool at home and Arsenal away. Then Barkley did his hamstring and when he came back he seemed to struggle physically and mentally. Whether he just couldn’t be arsed or whether he was/is mentally fragile, who knows.

He no doubt has loads of ability, but one of the issues for me is not so much what happened last time, its history, but how he’s going to cope with not being the big fish in the small pond he was last year. FA cup winning, euros, WC level Tielemans had to bide his time a lot for much of last season, can Barkleys mentality cope with that. Also there is no doubt combined with not being a regular, Unai will still be more demanding of him than Smith or maybe any other manager he’s had, has ever been.

If he can stay fit, stay mentally ok if not in the team all the time and cope with the demands of Emery, it could be a very good signing, but a lot of things have to work out.

[Ozzjim]

I think as he's dropped deeper his all round defensive stats last season were pretty decent for tackles, interceptions and ball recoveries. I think people need to put Barkley at 10 out of their head, he's been playing 6 or 8 all season. He's not Kamara, and I would be amazed if we don't sign a straight backup for Bouba, but he is a very functional rotation option for Luiz and Tielemans, the latter who adapted then dropped deeper and became more pivotal to us as the season went.

[algy]

Surprising signing, but if Emery rates him then I'm not worried. He was excellent for Luton last season.

I suppose the thing is, if we had an extra body giving quality cover for central midfield last season, we get an extra 4 or 5 points in the run-in, CL football is wrapped up early, and we're all packing our bags for Athens right now.

Anyway, welcome back Ross.

[LeonW]

If he signs, he won’t be cover for anyone; more an option of a deep lying, physical ball carrying option which is not necessary a profile we have at the moment. Kamara and Dougie can carrying the ball but are susceptible to being disposed as neither are particularly physically imposing.

Whilst Barkley does not win many tackles he is very strong at carrying the ball under pressure from more physical opponents. And is a decent goal threat with his shooting.

This could be a very smart and reasonably cheap piece of business to give us an option when we play teams like Chelsea and other physical opponents that will press us high up the pitch. Sometimes players mature at different points. Perhaps Barkley has finally found a more consistent position for his skill set and fitness later on in his career at a last chance saloon in Luton. I think he’s worth a punt.

[ChicagoLion]

If he signs, he won’t be cover for anyone; more an option of a deep lying, physical ball carrying option which is not necessary a profile we have at the moment. Kamara and Dougie can carrying the ball but are susceptible to being disposed as neither are particularly physically imposing.

Whilst Barkley does not win many tackles he is very strong at carrying the ball under pressure from more physical opponents. And is a decent goal threat with his shooting.

This could be a very smart and reasonably cheap piece of business to give us an option when we play teams like Chelsea and other physical opponents that will press us high up the pitch. Sometimes players mature at different points. Perhaps Barkley has finally found a more consistent position for his skill set and fitness later on in his career at a last chance saloon in Luton. I think he’s worth a punt.

I think there were some lifestyle changes.

[darren woolley]

I trust Unai if he wants Ross Barkley then I'm happy with that we need more strength in depth.

[LeonW]

If he signs, he won’t be cover for anyone; more an option of a deep lying, physical ball carrying option which is not necessary a profile we have at the moment. Kamara and Dougie can carrying the ball but are susceptible to being disposed as neither are particularly physically imposing.

Whilst Barkley does not win many tackles he is very strong at carrying the ball under pressure from more physical opponents. And is a decent goal threat with his shooting.

This could be a very smart and reasonably cheap piece of business to give us an option when we play teams like Chelsea and other physical opponents that will press us high up the pitch. Sometimes players mature at different points. Perhaps Barkley has finally found a more consistent position for his skill set and fitness later on in his career at a last chance saloon in Luton. I think he’s worth a punt.

I think there were some lifestyle changes.

Catching someone at the right moment is sometimes what it’s all about. I can see the logic in this one for sure. I’m sure Emery and Monchi will have done their homework on the person as much as the player.

[dicedlam]

I think this is a smart move by us and he will fit right in how Unai will want to play. Quite a few games that I saw Barkley play in for Luton last season were very similar to how we invite the press in defense, then giving the ball to Barkley to turn and play through to the midfield or spraying the ball out wide. Physically imposing, good on the ball with a great range of passing.

I reckon this could be one of the bargain buys of the season.

[chrisw1]

I think this is a smart move by us and he will fit right in how Unai will want to play. Quite a few games that I saw Barkley play in for Luton last season were very similar to how we invite the press in defense, then giving the ball to Barkley to turn and play through to the midfield or spraying the ball out wide. Physically imposing, good on the ball with a great range of passing.

I reckon this could be one of the bargain buys of the season.

It could go either way, but I agree.  Hopefully it's smart business.

[john e]

If he signs, he won’t be cover for anyone; more an option of a deep lying, physical ball carrying option which is not necessary a profile we have at the moment. Kamara and Dougie can carrying the ball but are susceptible to being disposed as neither are particularly physically imposing.

Whilst Barkley does not win many tackles he is very strong at carrying the ball under pressure from more physical opponents. And is a decent goal threat with his shooting.

This could be a very smart and reasonably cheap piece of business to give us an option when we play teams like Chelsea and other physical opponents that will press us high up the pitch. Sometimes players mature at different points. Perhaps Barkley has finally found a more consistent position for his skill set and fitness later on in his career at a last chance saloon in Luton. I think he’s worth a punt.

I think there were some lifestyle changes.

Maybe the fact his mate Grealish isn’t here any more might help as well

[john2710]

We've seen players over the past few weeks dead on their feet, we can't expect players to play 50+ games at full tilt. Next season when we get to the business end of the season we need players to be able to still play at a high level. Adding the likes of Barkley will allow us to add quality, depth & rotation to the squad for what seems little risk.

[aj2k77]

Surprise surprise, I think he's shite lol. Hopefully proves me wrong.

[VillaTim]

Anyway, welcome back Ross.

When did he sign.

[pablo_picasso]

Disappointing signing if it happens.

I don't trust him based on the previous decades worth of evidence not to rock up, have a few decent games & then settle into prime Barkley mode for the remainder of his contract.

I never wanted to ever see him in a Villa shirt again once he left & that hasn't changed.