ROSS BARKLEY has joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
The England star found himself out of Frank Lampard’s regular first team plans at Stamford Bridge this season following the capture of Kai Havertz.
Ross Barkley has joined Aston Villa for the 2020-21 campaign
The 26-year-old has opted to make the switch to Villa in the knowledge he needs regular football to stake a claim to be in the England squad for the Euros next summer.
Barkley arrives as Villa’s fifth signing of the summer after Ollie Watkins, Bertrand Traore, Emiliano Martinez and Matty Cash.
Villa boss Dean Smith said: “Capturing a player of Ross’s quality is a real coup for our Club and I am certain he will thrive here and improve our team.”
A statement shared to Chelsea’s website read: “Barkley will spend the rest of this season at Villa Park, where Chelsea legend John Terry is assistant to manager Dean Smith.”
He has made 52 appearances in the Premier League and Champions League for Chelsea since his arrival in January 2018.
But last season he managed just one goal and four assists in 21 league appearances for Lampard’s side.
The ex-Everton star has made three appearances for Chelsea this season, scoring once.
He was left out of Lampard’s squad for the 3-3 draw with West Brom on Saturday.
Ross Barkley will play under the watchful eye of Dean Smith at Villa
Aston Villa are also believed to be in pole position to lure Ruben Loftus-Cheek away from Chelsea.
Frank Lampard has given the England star permission to leave the club on loan.
But Smith’s side could face competition from Southampton and West Ham for his signature.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
