Ross Barkley to leave Aston Villa on free transfer as contract update emerges
Ross Barkley looks destined to depart Aston Villa in the coming months.
Villa signed Barkley from Luton Town on a cut-price deal last summer after a hugely positive campaign despite the Hatters’ relegation from the Premier League.
This saw the Englishman return to Villa Park four years after his prior loan spell from Chelsea, making just 29 appearances under Unai Emery so far.
Barkley scored the winner against RB Leipzig in the Champions League, while also netting against Leicester City and Bournemouth last season.
Despite these positive moments, it looks like Barkley could be on his way out of B6 at the end of the campaign.
This article includes exclusive comment from former Aston Villa employee Bryan King.
Ross Barkley set for free transfer away from Aston Villa
The former Everton man was linked with an exit from the Midlands in the most recent summer window, despite no deal going through.
Barkley could still leave Villa for Saudi Arabia or Turkyie with their transfer markets still open for business, weeks after the Premier League’s shut.
With that being said, it could be at the end of the season when he leaves after Barkley was left out of the Europa League squad by Emery.
Ex-Villa scout King believes the midfielder will depart at the end of his contract at Villa Park due to the lack of available minutes in claret and blue.
Speaking exclusively to Villa News, King said: “He’s not going to be a member of the Europa League squad, and he’s not going to play regularly in the Premier League.
“He’s out of contract at the end of the season, and I think he’ll be leaving Villa on a free as well, to be honest.“
Aston Villa could force Ross Barkley sale in January
With fitness problems currently plaguing the midfielder, it could prove to be risky for anyone to take a chance despite his qualities, especially while he’s on a reported £60k-per-week.
This could be something that halts Villa from picking up any financial gain from his exit this summer, opening the B6 club to the risk of a free transfer departure.
As a result, Monchi could look for a destination to get Barkley off the wage bill in January, with the hope of landing a nominal fee for his services.
It seems that his time at Villa Park is all but done, with a winter exit potentially looking like the best option for all parties.
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