Ross Barkley to agree Everton return as Aston Villa talks near conclusion ahead of loan switch
Ross Barkley could be on his way back to Everton in January.
Barkley was linked with Everton before his Aston Villa move in 2024, off the back of a stellar campaign with Luton Town in the Premier League.
The Englishman has gone on to be a well-appreciated squad player under Unai Emery, but that hasn’t stopped Barkley from being of interest to Everton.
Midfield reinforcements are on the winter shopping list at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the likes of Kalvin Phillips already linked to Everton this month.
David Moyes could have the perfect opportunity to now bring in Barkley as talks look set to kick off over a loan deal away from Merseyside.
Everton could welcome Ross Barkley back to Merseyside
A homecoming to Everton could be on the cards for Barkley, eight years after his departure to join Chelsea.
The Englishman has gone on to have a mixed bag of a career, with his recent times with Villa and Luton certainly high points since his Goodison exit.
His time at Stamford Bridge and OGC Nice weren’t anything to write home about, but his move to a deeper midfield position and increased career experience has massively benefited his game.
Everton could be the next side to benefit from his role in their squad, especially with former scout Bryan King calling for his signing back in September.
He said: “I think the ideal move for Barkley would be back home to Everton. It was Moyes who first introduced him at Everton, and that would be a good way for him to end his career.
“I’m sure he’d be a great benefit to Everton, and I’m sure he still loves the club. I think it could be a decent move for him.“
The chances of the ex-Toffee returning to L4 may have now taken a step up, with Villa looking set to replace him this winter.
Conor Gallagher to replace Barkley on loan at Aston Villa
The Villans have been strongly linked with improving their midfield options this winter, and it looks as if they will do just that in the coming days.
Conor Gallagher looks set to make a Villa Park move on a temporary deal with an obligation to buy from Atletico Madrid.
Fabrizio Romano has suggested that an agreement is set to be reached after negotiation talks reached their final stages.
Villa are now waiting on the green light from the Englishman, but look likely to get that after his lack of regular gametime in LaLiga this season.
If that deal goes through, it could be the perfect opportunity for Everton to welcome back Barkley and improve their own squad prospects under Moyes.
Sign up for the Goodison News WhatsApp channel and turn on notifications to have all the latest, breaking Everton news sent straight to your phone.