**It was, perhaps, inevitable that, last summer, following our relegation from the Premier League, that Ross Barkley would move on.**
After surprising many by choosing to come to Kenilworth Road, to revive his career, it didn’t take long for the former England international to do just that.
His ability to control the game, from the middle of the pitch, soon saw him become a crowd favourite, with many Luton Town supporters claiming he was the best midfielder ever to wear our shirt.
While I’ll admit he was pure class, in my opinion, that previously mentioned accolade belongs to the legend that is Ricky Hill.
When it became obvious Ross and Luton Town would be parting company, it wasn’t really too much of a surprise when he signed for a former club, Aston Villa.
After all, Aston Villa were flying high in the Premier League and had achieved a place in the Champions League, Ross, after giving his all at Luton Town, had struck the big time, a reward none of us would begrudge him.
But Ross’ first season back at Villa Park, didn’t go according to plan.
Although he made **29** appearances, in all competitions, scoring on **4** occasions, his first half of the season was far better than his second half.
After the turn of the year, Ross, now **31**\-years-of-age, made just **6** appearances, all of them from the bench, with injuries, to his knee and calf, keeping him on the sidelines for as long as **3** months.
According to the [Express and Star](https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2025/06/01/unai-emery-backing-midfielder-to-shine-for-aston-villa-next-season), Luton Town received a fee of £5 million for Barkley, something that I can’t verify, but, if that is the case, did we spend it wisely in finding a replacement for the man who, in such a short spell with us, became something akin to a legend?
I’ll leave you to answer that particular question.
Please feel free to have your say in the comment facility beneath this article.
COYH