Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Sat 21 March 2026 19:30, UK

Ross Barkley has played a bit-part role ever since re-signing for Aston Villa back in 2024.

The Englishman spent a frustrating loan spell in B6 between 2020 and 2021, but returned as a completely different player.

His free transfer switch to Luton Town unleashed the best of the midfielder as he became a deep-lying playmaker for the Hatters.

That sparked interest from Unai Emery, who may be accused of under-utilising the 32-year-old, especially while Youri Tielemans is out injured.

Barkley has been linked with a Villa exit due to a myth about his contract, creating speculation as Villa News assesses what we know about his current deal.

What is Ross Barkley’s contract situation at Aston Villa?

It hasn’t always been easy for the ex-Everton man in claret and blue, as injuries have certainly played their part in his game time struggles.

The quality ahead of him in the midfield has also played a role, leaving him to feature across just 326 minutes this campaign.

That hasn’t hampered the feeling around him in the Midlands, as there is no doubt about the quality he provides to this Villa squad.

Keeping him around would be a plus, especially after winter links to Wolves, and that looks entirely possible with his contract running until 2027.

He is reportedly paid £60,000 a week at Bodymoor Heath, a deal that equates to upwards of £3million per year.

That is a sizable amount for a bit-part player, but it looks unlikely to mean Barkley faces an uncertain future at Villa right now.

Barkley myth surrounded 2026 summer exit

There were original reports when the ex-England international signed at Villa Park that his contract would run until the summer of 2026.

That led to fears earlier this campaign that Barkley could be on his way out of the Midlands on a free transfer when the season ended.

The midfielder himself took to social media to debunk that theory, suggesting that those reports were untrue.

That was music to fans’ ears at Villa Park, especially while learning a similar story surrounding Youri Tielemans, whose contract expires in 2028.

It will be interesting to see where his future lies in the summer and beyond, but he has certainly been an asset under Emery.