Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media

Jack Dawson

Sat 18 April 2026 12:20, UK

Follow us on Google Discover

Ross Barkley’s future at Aston Villa has been in doubt for months ahead of the summer transfer window.

The attacking midfielder has only started three matches in the Premier League this season, with Unai Emery preferring to use him off the bench.

As a result, with his contract set to expire in 2027, Barkley has been linked to numerous clubs, despite Villa’s desire to keep the 32-year-old.

However, with the Birmingham outfit now looking to bring in Noel Aseko, Barkley’s long-term future at Villa Park has never looked more doubtful.

Aseko would no doubt limit the 32-year-old’s game time further, which could push Aston Villa to make a sale.

Noel Aseko signing could force Ross Barkley to leave Aston Villa

According to Sky Sports Germany on 16 April, Aston Villa are one of several sides chasing Aseko ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Bayern Munich star is currently on loan to Hannover 96 in the 2 Bundesliga, where he has impressed.

To date, he has picked up eight goal contributions in the division, as they look to win promotion back to the top-flight.

At 20 years old, the attacking midfielder has plenty of potential, and Bayern are set to demand £10.45million for Aseko.

If Villa are able to win the race for the midfielder, that will surely mean Barkley’s time is up at the club.

Given that he is struggling for minutes already, he is likely to fall further down the pecking order when Aseko arrives.

Therefore, the 32-year-old will inevitably push for a sale in order to secure regular game time in the twilight of his career.

Who is interested in Barkley?

Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Sheffield United are interested in signing Barkley this summer transfer window.

However, a move to the Blades was viewed as increasingly unlikely with as the club would not be able to afford the wages of the attacking midfielder in the Championship.

Sheffield United can no longer secure a playoff position as they sit 14 points off sixth, with four games left to play.

Therefore, it remains to be seen if anyone else comes in for Barkley over the next few months, with the Villa star unlikely to be short of potential suitors.