Ross Barkley could now agree Saudi Arabia switch after Aston Villa snub
Ross Barkley has been absent at Aston Villa since May due to injury.
Barkley signed for Villa from Luton Town last summer on a cheap deal, returning to Villa Park on a permanent deal after a loan spell in 2020.
There were some positive moments last campaign for the 31-year-old, with Barkley netting a deflected winner against RB Leipzig in the Champions League being a main highlight.
As a result, it has been disappointing for Unai Emery that the former England international has featured across less than 70 minutes since 10 January.
With that in mind, a move to Saudi Arabia or elsewhere could be in the pipeline for Barkley as he goes in search of regular game time.
Ross Barkley absent from Aston Villa’s Europa League squad
On 3 September, Villa announced their Europa League squad for the upcoming league phase, including new Villa deadline day signings Harvey Elliott, Jadon Sancho and Victor Lindelof.
With these additions, there was always going to be the need for absentees from the squad, and unfortunately for the injury-prone Barkley, he is the chosen one.
This can’t truly come as a surprise due to his lack of fitness and availability in the Midlands after last being part of a matchday squad against Manchester United on the final day of last campaign.
| Stat (Premier League 24/25) | Ross Barkley |
| Matches | 20 |
| Starts | 3 |
| Minutes played | 569 |
| Goal involvements | 4 |
The ex-Everton man didn’t feature in pre-season and is yet to be seen, even on the bench, under Emery so far this campaign.
As a result, this snub from the European squad could prove to be the final straw for the midfielder before he looks to force a move away from the Midlands.
- Read more: Barkley faces a hugely uncertain future at Aston Villa
Ross Barkley could now move to Saudi Arabia
Obviously, with the English transfer window now shut, a move within the Premier League or elsewhere in England is now off the table.
This could see Barkley widen his horizons and look to make a move abroad, where multiple transfer markets are still open for business.
With that in mind, a move to Saudi Arabia could now be possible, with the Pro League window open for another week, closing on 10 September.
There has been a desire for experienced heads in the Middle East, with lucrative contracts encouraging players to make the move, despite the drop-off in quality across the division.
Barkley could also look to make a move to the likes of Belgium or Turkiye with their windows remaining open across the coming days.
It will now be interesting to see if the midfielder can manufacture a move elsewhere or whether he will remain as a bit-part player for the Villans.
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