Returning Aston Villa star transfer ‘is done’ with date set for man Emery can get ‘best’ from to join.

The confirmation that Ross Barkley will be returning to the club “is done” is imminent, according to TEAMtalk sources and Aston Villa insider Dan Bardell.

After being given little opportunities at Chelsea, Barkley played on loan for Villa in 2020–21.

Despite scoring twice in the Villans’ 7-2 thumping of Liverpool and a third goal later in the season, the Englishman was not the team’s most important player.

Barkley’s path and Villa’s have diverged significantly since his return to Chelsea. In the Premier League that season, the Midlanders were a mediocre team, placing 14th.

But after Unai Emery joined midway through the season, they quickly turned things around, and this term they jumped up to fourth place.

The previous season, they finished seventh.

Barkley left for Nice in the following season, seemingly of a step down to join Ligue 1. He played for Luton in the Premier League after being promoted from his previous team, and despite playing for a lower calibre squad than he was accustomed to, he appeared completely different.

In fact, it’s been suggested that the midfielder could have been called up for an England recall because he was among the best in the league at his position.

Even though Luton was demoted, Barkley continued to draw the attention of Aston Villa by scoring five goals in the Premier League and providing assists on another four. The return to Villa Park was reportedly the subject of rapid negotiations, according to reports on May 20.

Barkley back to Villa ‘is done’

Now, Villa insider Bardell has confirmed that it’s done, and could be confirmed within days.

“That deal’s done. He’s coming,” he told Villa News.

“I’ve heard from three reliable sources that it is done. I’d expect that to be done maybe over the weekend.”

TEAMtalk sources have also confirmed that the deal is done and dusted.

Villa will have to pay a nominal fee to Luton, though it’s not clear exactly what the value will be.

Emery can get ‘best out of’ Barkley

Villa podcaster Ty Bracey feels that Barkley can return to the top of his game under Emery.

“I genuinely believe that Unai Emery can get the best out of any footballer who plays for the club,” he said.

“We know we’ve got to be a little bit careful despite having the Champions League money so I don’t think it’s a bad piece of business if we can get a fully fit Ross Barkley playing his best football.

“I don’t think he’ll be the type of player to play every game in the season but he’s good experienced depth and I think that’s really important.”

For what he’s done for the club so far, nobody can question any decision that Emery makes. As such, there will be little doubt that Barkley will be a good signing for the club.

If he remains at the level he showed at Luton, that’ll be good, but if he can get back somewhere near his Everton days, it’ll be fantastic for the Villans.

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