‘Ross Barkley future unsure’ as contract development emerges at Aston Villa
Ross Barkley has had an up-and-down season since joining Aston Villa in the summer.
The 31-year-old joined the Villans from Luton Town in the summer, marking his second spell in B6 after an initial loan spell in 2020.
In the opening months of the campaign, the Englishman proved himself to be a useful player under Unai Emery but injury has ruled him out for over ten weeks.
This could prove to be a damaging factor to his future at Villa Park, especially after a new contract update emerged in the West Midlands.
Barkley faces unsure future at Aston Villa
It is fair to say that the utility of the former Everton midfielder made him a no-brainer signing before the start of the campaign but his injury represents a concern.
To be missing for so long with what appeared to be a short term issue initially may pose a worry to the hierarchy at Bodymoor Heath.
The ex-England international will have two years remaining on his deal at B6 moving into the new season, and a sale may make sense if any profit can be made.
This would make sense from a financial point of view as the Villans look to tie Boubacar Kamara down to a new deal.
John Percy reported on 25 March that talks have begun with the Frenchman over a fresh contract at Villa Park, with his current deal set to expire in June 2027.
If the 25-year-old is to remain in claret and blue for the long term, Barkley could be pushed even further down the pecking order next season.
Kamara extension could pose bad news for Barkley
If the former Marseille man is to put pen to paper on a new deal in the West Midlands, it is safe to say that he will continue to start every week when available.
His defensive abilities alongside Youri Tielemans in the midfield have proved to be the difference between frustrating results and wins in recent weeks.
It does raise the question as to where Barkley fits in when he does return from injury after so long away.
| Stat (Premier League 24/25) | Ross Barkley | Boubacar Kamara |
| Completed passes | 316 | 559 |
| Tackles won | 3 | 15 |
| Duels won | 30 | 83 |
| Fouls won | 3 | 21 |
Amadou Onana has faced a similar problem at times this season despite being signed for over £50million, summing up the strength in depth that Villa have in midfield.
It will certainly be interesting to see where Barkley’s future lies moving forward into the summer.