Ross Barkley training in the same Spanish complex as Coventry City may have been put down to a coincidence rather than a done deal, but that doesn't mean to say it hasn't got Sky Blues fans excited about the possibility.
Barkley was, indeed, at the same sports facility as the Sky Blues on Monday. However, it’s understood that he was working with his own personal trainer and NOT with the City squad.
He's certainly a player who would fit the bill in terms of quality and experience, but would he be available? And what has he got left in the tank?
We spoke to BirminghamLive's Aston Villa writer, John Townley, to get the lowdown on Barkley and what his current situation is at Villa Park.
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - MARCH 18: Ross Barkley of Aston Villa stretches during a training session ahead of the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between Aston Villa and LOSC Lille at Bodymoor Heath training ground on March 18, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
Aston Villa's Ross Barkley(Image: Gareth Copley, Getty Images)
Are Villa looking to offload Barkley?
Every player has a price. If Villa’s valuation is met, then it will ultimately come down to the player. For Barkley, he’ll want more regular minutes after starting only seven Premier League matches last season.
However, Unai Emery values him highly and sees him as a solid squad player, capable of changing games from the bench or popping up with an important goal, as he did against Bournemouth, Manchester United and Burnley last season.
(Image: Getty Images)
Does he still have his legs, and could the Sky Blues rely on him as an ever-present?
Barkley has had his injury issues since returning to Villa two summers ago, and he’s not going to cover the ground like he did during his Everton days.
But he still puts in a shift whenever he’s on the pitch and always looks to play with intensity. Being an ever-present may be a stretch, but he’d certainly be a midfielder you could rely on to make a significant impact when given the opportunity.
What are his key strengths?
His technical ability remains excellent, but his awareness, experience and football intelligence are just as important. There have been games over the past two seasons when Villa have looked erratic, only for Barkley’s introduction to help them regain their rhythm and composure. He’s also a threat in the final third and is capable of scoring all types of goals.
Ross Barkley of Aston Villa makes a run with the ball during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa at City Ground in Nottingham, United Kingdom, on April 12, 2026.
Ross Barkley could be Coventry's answer to a midfield stalwart(Image: Maynard Manyowa/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
And his weaknesses?
Durability isn’t one of his strengths, put it that way. Barkley turns 33 in December, but equally, you wouldn’t be signing him with the expectation of playing every minute across a 38-game season. Put legs around him, give him the chance to get on the ball, and he’ll make things happen.
Do you think he would do a job for the Sky Blues?
Yes, if he does leave Villa. It would give him the opportunity to play regular football at a high level again while also reuniting with a manager he knows well in Frank Lampard. He wouldn’t have to relocate either, which is another bonus for any player.
Would you like to see the Sky Blues sign Ross Barkley? Have your say in the comments
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Coventry City writer Andy Turner
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