Ross Barkley could link up with manager he made angry as Aston Villa exit opens up
Ross Barkley has endured a difficult time at Aston Villa, but he may have a way out shortly.
Barkley has been unable to truly assert himself in Unai Emery‘s plans since joining the Villans in 2024, due to injuries.
He has featured just eight times this season for the Villa Park outfit, and has been out since the 1-0 win over Wolves on 30 November with a knee issue.
He has missed a total of 32 games in the last two seasons, and a move elsewhere could allow him to put those problems behind him.
Ross Barkley exit route emerges as Championship club make approach
Barkley has had a difficult time at Villa, and he could be offered a new escape route, with a Championship outfit wanting to sign him.
Pete O’Rourke reported on 15 January that Sheffield United have made an enquiry to sign Barkley on loan.
That move would be controversial as the Villa star has upset Blades manager Chris Wilder in the past, although, he did not set out to do so.
What did Barkley do to make Wilder angry?
While Barkley was on loan at Luton Town in the 2023–24 season, Wilder was infuriated after referee Sam Allison asked for the player’s shirt.
After a 1-0 loss to Millwall last season, which damaged his side’s promotion push, and ultimately saw them fall short, the 58-year-old launched a rant on the official, citing the incident with Barkley.
His side were not awarded a penalty, and he said: “I’m not a fan of the referee. I don’t think I should get into trouble, by the way, on that one if I’m being honest.
“I wasn’t a fan of him last season when he refereed us against Luton, when he was asking for Ross Barkley’s shirt.
“I don’t know who’s shirt he was after today but maybe the shirt on Anel’s back that got absolutely ripped to pieces.”
While Barkley did not directly set out to wind up the opposition manager, his actions clearly made an impression on Wilder.
It may be an awkward reunion if he ends up signing for the Bramall Lane outfit, but the manager surely does not hold a grudge, otherwise he would not want to sign him.
It was an easy excuse to come after a referee that he clearly had an issue with, nothing more, and that will not get in the way of a potential move.
The move makes sense for all parties, so there may be some action on his future within the coming days.
Stay up to date this winter with our Aston Villa transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Villa Park, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.