Morgan Rogers reacts to Aston Villa’s Ross Barkley amid ‘Everton return’ rumours
Ross Barkley has attracted the attention of his Aston Villa teammates with a new post amid links with a shock return to Everton.
The 31-year-old midfielder has been a bit-part player this season, making just three Premier League starts for Unai Emery, but still managing 27 appearances across all competitions.
Despite his lack of minutes for the Villans, rumours have begun to swirl around a potential return to Everton for Barkley after The Friedkin Group’s exciting takeover on Merseyside.
It remains unlikely that David Moyes will bring the player to Bramley-Moore Dock Stadium with him ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but those at Villa Park are also uncertain what his future holds.
Ross Barkley future uncertain at Aston Villa
Taking to Instagram (7 May), Barkley shared two images from the Villa training ground, having not started a game since scoring in the 2-1 win over Leicester City at the beginning of January.
Morgan Rogers, Lucas Digne, Amadou Onana, and Youri Tielemans were all amongst Villa teammates to react to the post as he works back to full fitness.
Unai Emery threatened by PSR again this summer
Football Insider verdict
The Villans are fighting to secure Champions League qualification this season, with Man City, Newcastle United, Chelsea, and Nottingham Forest all involved in the top-five battle.
The monetary advantage from getting into the European competition could be vital for Emery ahead of the summer transfer window, especially after Villa handed a new, big-money deal to Boubacar Kamara.
| Premier League standings | Points |
| 4. Newcastle United | 63 |
| 5. Chelsea | 63 |
| 6. Nottingham Forest | 61 |
| 7. Aston Villa | 60 |
Ollie Watkins could also leave Villa this summer, mainly due to his treatment following the loan signing of Marcus Rashford, seeing the former Brentford man stuck on the bench until a recent injury blow.
Profit and Sustainability Rules could play a major role in Villa’s transfer plans ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, much to the frustration of supporters, and likely to Emery too.
The manager may need to hold onto players like Barkley to help fill the squad, while the Villans are smart with their additions, spending as little money as possible but bringing in plenty of talent.