A few senior figures in Aston Villa are set to sign a contract extension but one who deserves one might be missed.
Aston Villa have gone through a positive trend and fairly quick turn after winless start in three consecutive games. The role of the senior players apart from the captain John McGinn and Tyrone Mings in helping the team to gel with the new signings as well as their adaptation has been inevitable.
The likes of Emi Buendia and Victor Lindelof have been involved in such tasks too, leading to a fairly smooth transformation and eventually impressive result. Their win against the league leader Manchester City is the proof. No wonder that they both have been reportedly holding talks for their contract extension since their current ones are set to expire in summer 2027.
However, one senior player whose contract is likely to end next summer too, Ross Barkley, has yet to receive a confirmed offer for extending his stay in Villa Park. Despite his fine contribution for the team under Unai Emery since returning to B6, there has been no news about it.
Barkley who firstly joined Villa in 2020/21 has been doing well this season too with three goals and one assist in 11 games. The Lions should be extending his contract despite his age. So why does the 32-year old midfielder deserve it?
The former Chelsea and Everton man is one reliable utility player in the squad. He re-joined The Lions from the relegated Luton Town in summer 2024 because of his versatility.
According to the report in GivemeSport, there is something more from Barkley who could be beneficial for Villa.
“He makes an impact as a leader and mentor to younger midfielders at the club on a relatively cheap contract.”
During his second spell in Villa Park, the former England international can thrive in any positions he is deployed from defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder or central midfielder. So far, the player who was approached by Frank Lampard’s Coventry City last summer has made 65 appearances, registering 11 goals and four assists in all competitions under Unai Emery.
He midfielder with 33 international caps does not seem to have any issues for being a team player. He can still contribute well despite getting his chance rotated in the squad.
Barkley has been proven for his consistent form too since 2024. He has always played at least 20 games in all competitions and scored at least three goals and one assist.
In 2024/25, he featured in 29 games, bagging four goals and one assist. Last season, the Liverpool-born midfielder was still able to play 24 times, netting three times plus setting up once despite his injury. Meanwhile, this season, he has even already notched four goals and two assists in just 12 games. It would be quite a loss if The Lions release him for free next summer.
The post Should a senior Aston Villa man get a contract extension this year? appeared first on AVillaFan.com – Aston Villa Fan Site.
