Aston Villa have made one of the most underappreciated signings of the summer; he’s been compared to Diego Maradona.

Aston Villa have just made one of the most underappreciated signings of the summer under Unai Emery, which could be critical to their prospects of success in 2024/25.

Unai Emery, who replaced Steven Gerrard as manager of the Midlands club, has excelled since his appointment, including qualification to the UEFA Champions League.

With the transfer window just open for two weeks, the Villans have seen some changes, with Brazilian Douglas Luiz completing a move to Juventus.

 

Villa Park is scheduled to bring in Enzo Barrenchea and Samuel-Iling Junior as part of the deal that will send Luiz to Turin. However, Villa are also bringing in another youngster who might be a valuable addition at a low cost.

Free signing might make the difference.

Villa’s loss of Luiz may be mitigated by the free signing of Ross Barkley, a former Luton Town midfielder.

HITC reported in May that Villa were hopeful of a deal for the English midfielder and might take advantage of a mechanism in the midfielder’s contract with the Hatters.

Villa were confident in signing the midfielder despite interest from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Brighton & Hove Albion. The agreement was finally confirmed.

Barkley’s career reversal means he will be given another chance to impress at Villa Park, following a disappointing loan spell three seasons ago.

Barkley has been likened with Diego Maradona.

Andros Townsend, a former colleague at Luton, praised the English midfielder after the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City, comparing him to Diego Maradona.

“I’ve seen some of the best midfield performances in my career,” he told talkSPORT after the defeat to Pep Guardiola’s team.

“It’s absolutely remarkable – the calmness, the ability to get the ball off the back four and thump it past some of the world’s finest midfielders with no worries.

“We saw yesterday against Manchester City that Maradona was in the middle to set up our goal; it’s been a joy to watch.

“In some ways, he has instilled confidence in the guys around him, including myself. Just having the calmness to take the ball under pressure is such an undervalued ability.

Maradona is an exaggerated comparison. But if Barkley can be half the player, he’ll be an incredible addition to a team he already knows well.