Yahoo News Aston Villa can offer Ross Barkley three things Man Utd simply can't
Aston Villa are reportedly set to complete the signing of Ross Barkley on a free transfer. Midfielder Barkley was exceptional in Luton Town's recently ended relegation season and, having only agreed a one-year contract at Kenilworth Road, he is now set to leave and ensure he remains in the Premier League.
Manchester United have been linked previously with Barkley. The Red Devils' minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who bought 25% of the club from the Glazers on Christmas Eve, also owns Nice in France where Barkley had spent the previous season after leaving Chelsea on a free in 2022.
Writing in his book, 'Grit, Rigour and Humour: The Ineos Story', Ratcliffe said about Barkley: "I saw him at Chelsea and he's a really good footballer. If his mind's in the right place and he's in really good shape, you could play him twice a week because he's built like a tank, really strong. You have to give a guy a chance to settle. And he gets one game every three or four. It's ridiculous."
Simply, though, it's not much of a competition at this moment in time if an in-demand player was having to decide between Villa and United; the latter remain an English footballing institution despite their recent struggles. Particularly in the case of Barkley, though, Villa would just appear to make sense right now.
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Familiarity
Barkley knows Villa. That in itself mightn't be enough to tempt a player back to a club, but the fact remains there are existing staff, and indeed players, who will be familiar to Barkley from his previous spell at the club. That loan was a mixed bag; Barkley began the campaign in a real groove, developed a rapid understanding with the likes of Jack Grealish and John McGinn and contributed important goals before he waned in the second half of the year.
There is a certain familiarity for Barkley at Villa, though. He knows Bodymoor Heath, Villa Park and possessing those acquaintances would help Barkley to return to these surroundings seamlessly.
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Security
Villa are head in one direction and that's up. The manager, Unai Emery, has signed a new contract having been totally sold by NSWE's vision and ambition. He has the expertise to carry out those wishes on behalf of the ownership and will be supported in assembling a squad capable of achieving the club's highly set goals.
Barkley would be joining a club where the squad's key players are all tied down to long-term deals and under a manager who is all in as they attempt to fulfil their aspirations. Can the same honestly be said for United? There have been calls for Erik ten Hag to be sacked this summer after a truly underwhelming campaign. Uncertainty has engulfed members of the playing squad, too.
Europe's top table
Villa can offer Barkley - and any transfer target - the opportunity to play at the very least eight Champions League games next season. Finishing in fourth is sure to open plenty of doors for Villa, NSWE, Emery and Monchi as they set about improving their squad further ahead of a campaign in which they'll be rolling with the European elite. The best sides on the continent will be visiting Villa Park under the lights from the autumn onwards.
United, meanwhile, have posted an eighth placed finish, eight points and four places beneath Villa despite taking six points off them over the course of last season. Their only chance of European football is to beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final on Saturday - otherwise, their passports will be gathering dust. Barkley, meanwhile, could be lining up in claret and blue with the famous Champions League logo on his sleeves.
