The pair have signed Aston Villa and Newcastle United, respectively. Ross Barkley has finalized his move to Aston Villa. The former Everton midfielder joins Unai Emery’s side after restarting his career at Luton Town. Barkley was once one of the Premier League’s most highly regarded young players after breaking into the Toffees’ first team, but he departed Goodison Park under contentious circumstances when he joined Chelsea in January 2018.
However, he struggled at Stamford Bridge and went on loan to Villa, before spending the 202-23 season with Nice. Barkley joined Premier League newcomers Luton last summer. Despite the Hatters’ relegation, Barkley’s performances won him glowing praise, with five goals and six assists in 37 games. That won him a move to Villa, which will compete in the Champions League in 2024-25 after placing fourth in the Premier League. Barkley stated on the club’s website: “For me, and everyone else at the club and the fans, [the objective] is to win a trophy.
“The club came so close last season but were unsuccessful. With reinforcements to an already excellent roster, this season will be pivotal. “Hopefully, we’ll win a trophy.” “Since my last visit, the club has achieved tremendous progress in recent years. As an outsider looking in, it looked amazing, and being a part of it is fantastic for me. Playing in the Champions League is a significant incentive for both me and the team, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Meanwhile, John Ruddy, the former Everton goalkeeper, has found a new club. Ruddy, who spent four years at Everton from 2004 to 2008 before enjoying a successful Premier League career with Norwich City and Wolves, has spent the previous two seasons at Birmingham City. But Newcastle United has signed Ruddy, 37, as their third-choice goalkeeper.
