ROSS BARKLEY CLOSE TO SIGNING FOR VILLA??? (Again)

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[@phillydavison]

Maybe we could ask Barkleys bank for a loan to seal this deal. I'll get my coat.

[@GorgeDawes]

I was a bit sceptical when I first read about this but thinking about it, signing Barkley makes a lot of sense. It’s important to realise that we would be signing a different type of player to the one he was back in 2021. The thing I think he would bring to the side is something SJM does virtually every match, which is the ability to receive the ball under pressure in midfield, roll away from challenges and progress the ball up the pitch. This fits very nicely in to the way that Emery likes to play. As such, he would be decent cover for McGinn or allow him to play further up the pitch. The other aspect, which sadly can’t be ignored, is the financial side of things. He’s available for a relatively small fee and wouldn’t command crazy wages. If we are going to stay within UEFA’s FFP constraints (which are harsher than the PL’s) and still strengthen the team then we are going to have to be a bit creative in who we sign. We all saw how our lack of squad depth, particularly in midfield, caused us problems in the later part of the season and could easily have cost us 4th place if Spurs hadn’t imploded so spectacularly. The challenge will be to try and get him to recreate the form he showed for Luton if he isn’t playing every week. Fingers crossed Mr. Emery can manage it!

[@Wilsontron]

Ndidi and Barkley on frees is the perfect way to start the summer

[@hottakehylas]

Source for Ndidi?

[@Wilsontron]

@@hottakehylas heard it on multiple other podcasts. Also Bardell says and he’s pretty much our Fabrizio 🤣

[@RichardKnows]

Every established player that Emery has brought in has won a cup or league. Barkley ticks that box.

[@Borogas33]

I see this as a very clever transfer. The way UE wants to play is susceptible to the high press OR low block. In both instances you need players who can receive and play the ball competently and quickly, especially under pressure. It is also far easier to adapt technically gifted player into a role, rather than ask those not so technical such as Nakamba to do what UE wants. I think in UE mind he wants the Johan Cruyff TOTAL FOOTBALL model for all his players, i.e. they are comfortable on the ball and do not panic a la Pau Torres. We aren't there in depth yet and Ross is a relatively low cost solution.

[@ljmolly4029]

Great analysis Neil!

[@michaelbruce2699]

For the right terms, it'd be a sensible signing.

[@MusicJunkieVideos]

Think he is definitely an upgrade on Tim or Chambers. That improves our squad.

[@haroldnorwalk9818]

Summer of 2023 if we said Tim’s ceiling was Ross Barkley….that’d be 🤮

[@MusicJunkieVideos]

@@haroldnorwalk9818 I agree but he has shown very little.

[@haroldnorwalk9818]

@@MusicJunkieVideos sad really. Unai doesn’t rate Tim at all. I haven’t forgotten Tim’s the reason Gallagher equalized so easily for Chelsea at 2-2. UTV

[@AnotherVillaPodcast]

Another great video Neil! I’m on the fence about Barkley but you make a compelling argument to sign him

[@stephenbell8349]

Ross can play as a 6, 8 or 10. Versatile, experienced. It's a no brainer at a nominal fee

[@ricclark8162]

he has had an excellent season i'd be worried about his attitude if he is not playing most weeks and we know when his attitude is wrong he is half the player but its a risk worth taking on a free / small fee i think, he wont be coming thinking he will be a bit part player though

[@Jgf802]

A upgrade on dendonker, if we can get a few quid for him then it’s good business UTV

[@NationalTreasureExplorers]

Right on the FFP line

[@ricclark8162]

i try not to be to critical of the players especially now with what they have done for us , but the 2 reasons i would play a lad at centre back in my manager days was he could head tackle and mark , i am not sure Carlos dose these any more , he can pass and his positioning (when teh ball is in front of him is excellent ) but his actual defensive attributes are not really there any more, ps that was such an informative positive enjoyable podcast :)

[@PatrickJScahill]

I have no doubt about his ability as a 8/7. Will he sit on the bench though without causing trouble. He wasn't a good squad player and his tantrums were wicked bad for the mentality of the team. Kicking bottles, walking around the pitch having a tantrum etc. With that and his injury record I'm not sure. Think it's a hard one to call with any certainty.

[@cathalokane3196]

Neil Agree that Barkley could be a very astute signing for Emery, playing infront of the back 4 receive the ball and forward passing could work a dream, played well for Villa initial until hamstring injury didn't come back well from this but rebuilt his career @ Luton and now has something to prove @ Villa. Genuinely believe he could be a very good Emery player playing in our system.

[@TJ-qx2fk]

Not sure if you looked at it this way. But the recoveries could be misleading. Villa played a possession based game, there was pretty badly a massive difference between villa and Luton in the number of recoveries required by each team. A team that keeps losing the ball will need more recoveries. Also look at the fact he was in a team that shipped goals for fun and from winning positions. Still unconvinced his defensive work is good enough to add any value to villa.

[@darrenwoolley8433]

If Unai Emery wants him that's good enough for me. UTV

[@gaminglegend1211]

Why Not :)

[@karmababy5077]

Not convinced at all by this signing.

[@andymac3391]

Not overly impressed with this potential signing however if he is a villa player he gets my support

[@petersmith2522]

I have a question if we wasnt to spend this season would that wipe our ffp slate clean

[@19822andy]

No. It's a rolling 3 year spell.

[@petersmith2522]

@@19822andy its ridiculous meanwhile chelsea are after osimen after just signing one of the worlds best 17 year olds for 40 million ffp does not effect them or arsenal

[@ForTheLoveofPaulMcGrathPodcast]

While it wouldn’t wipe it clean it would mean we could have a war chest for the season after but it would mean Unai pulling a rabbit out of the hat again this year. We will really only kick FFP if we increase merchandising, game day and ancillary revenue

[@petersmith2522]

@@ForTheLoveofPaulMcGrathPodcast it doesnt feel like we have in anyway overspent at anypoint for a premier league vlub of our stature thats what annoys me we have always trimmed it down a bit too with a few sales

[@petersmith2522]

@@ForTheLoveofPaulMcGrathPodcast but its early days i dont myself like this barkley one much but we might still sign some quality ones

[@grahamwade4023]

Sorry but how does he improve us...

[@Davies2710]

Exactly this. We've been their and done this and it's not a step forward

[@hottakehylas]

Did you guys actually watch this video?

[@ljmolly4029]

If we sign him, judge it in August when all the pieces of the puzzle are clear. We need depth in the deeper-lying MF position.

[@harryjohnson8371]

Watch the video and find out

[@kevinpinnock6110]

J

[@johntidd532]

He played really well this year was very surprising if we got him on a free i think under emery could be brilliant squad member and more funds on other players

[@calendar64]

No not for me, there are better quality players out there who would be better suited to Villa

[@broken1394]

Not sure we should ever go back. Ross started great with us and really dipped. However could be an impact player, Ross can make things happen- natural ability never a doubt. I feel mixed about it, if Unai wants him though that is more than good enough for me. 💜🩵