Villa News exclusive as Ross Barkley warms up ahead of game, as manager Unai Emery grins in a circular inset.
Credit: Imago
Evan Shaw
Thu 13 November 2025 18:10, UK
Ross Barkley could be set to receive a new contract at Aston Villa.
The former Everton midfielder is a seasoned veteran in the Premier League at this stage of his career, but he faces a fight to keep his place at Villa Park in the coming months.
Barkley’s contract at Aston Villa is due to expire at the end of the season, with the clock rapidly ticking down towards the end of his time in B6.
The 31-year-old appeared to have been cut adrift by Unai Emery at the start of the campaign, but his situation has changed drastically in recent weeks.
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery stands in the shadows looking concerned.
Credit: Imago
Ross Barkley to earn one-year extension if he sustains current form
Barkley netted the third goal for Aston Villa in their 4-0 demolition of Bournemouth last weekend, with what was his first competitive goal since January.
It was a hugely promising display from the Liverpudlian after his introduction in the 71st minute, and it was another sign that his time in the second city may not be dead and buried just yet.
Barkley didn’t feature for the Villans at all in August or September, but he has made five substitute appearances since the start of October and has since been added to their Europa League squad.
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Ex-Villa and Everton scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Villa News – believes that it is a straightforward decision for Emery and Co. to hand the midfielder a new deal if he continues his current form.
“I’ve known Barkley since I was working at Everton,” King said.
“He’s got bags of talent, there’s no two ways about that. He’s a good footballer, and he’s certainly a good squad member, that’s for sure.
“If you want to go out and buy a player of his quality, then it would cost you a lot of money, so if he continues to impress like he has done in the last month, then I think it’s a no-brainer to try and keep him at Villa for another year.
Ross Barkley in training for Aston Villa
Credit: Imago
“I’d imagine there would be plenty of clubs interested in him if not.”
Ross Barkley to replicate Emi Buendia amid PSR concerns
Emi Buendia has enjoyed an eye-catching resurgence at Aston Villa so far in 2025-26, and there is no reason why Barkley cannot travel on a similar trajectory in the remainder of the campaign.
The Villans are likely to find it difficult to strengthen their ranks again in January due to their ongoing PSR concerns, so finding alternatives from within will carry huge importance for them.
Buendia leads the team in goal contributions in the Premier League with five to his name already this season, and Barkley possesses the quality to have a similar impact in the coming months.
He had seemingly been written off by many, but he has clearly changed his attitude for the better of late, and that will stand him in good stead moving forward.
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