Aston Villa have completed the signing of Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley. The midfielder arrives on a season long loan and becomes Villa’s fifth summer signing.
Dean Smith has been chasing a new midfielder in the final few days of the window and has got his man in Barkley.
The 26-year-old has fallen behind the likes of Kai Havertz and Hakim Ziyech in the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and a move to Villa offers regular football.
Aston Villa Sign Ross Barkley on Loan From Chelsea
🟣 #WelcomeRoss 🟣@RBarkley8 arrives at Villa Park on a season-long loan! 👊
— Aston Villa (@AVFCOfficial) September 30, 2020
Barkley Becomes Villa’s Fifth Summer Signing
Barkley’s arrival is another shrewd piece of business from Villa, who are looking to build on last season’s 17th place finish. Their start to the season couldn’t have been better with two wins from two in the league and consecutive cup wins over Burton Albion and Bristol City.
Barkley becomes Villa’s fifth summer signing following the arrivals of Matty Cash, Ollie Watkins, Emiliano Martinez and Bertrand Traore. It’s been a statement summer from Villa, who are quietly making waves in the Premier League.
A move to the Midlands offers Barkley regular football. The midfielder has dropped down the pecking order following Chelsea’s busy summer of recruitment. He is likely to slot into the number eight role and give Villa extra creativity.
At the age of 26, Barkley’s best years are still ahead of him. He is vastly experienced for his age and will be determined to hit the ground running. He has 33 England caps and has made 52 appearances in the Premier League and Champions League for Chelsea.
His move to Villa also increases his chances of making the England squad for the European Championships next year. Barkley is hoping to capture his best form during his year at Villa.
Speaking to the Villa website about his new signing, Dean Smith said: “Capturing a player of Ross’s quality is a real coup for our club and I am certain he will thrive here and improve our team.”
Barkley could make his Villa debut this weekend against Liverpool at Villa Park.
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