The Premier League landscape in 2026 is a testament to evolution, and at Aston Villa, the gears of change are turning once more. A familiar face seems to be approaching the exit at Villa Park. The word on the touchline is that midfielder Ross Barkley is set to be moved on this January, a decision that speaks volumes about Unai Emery's clear vision for his squad's future.

Let's break it down, shall we? Villa's season has been a story of resilience. From a shaky start, they've clawed their way right back into the thick of the title conversation. Sitting just three points off the top after that convincing win over Nottingham Forest, Emery's project is undeniably on track. But in this well-oiled machine, one cog has been conspicuously absent. Ross Barkley, the 32-year-old former England international, was nowhere to be seen in that crucial matchday squad. And folks, that wasn't a one-off.

The Cold, Hard Stats:

• Weekly Wage: £75,000

• Minutes Played (2025/26 season): A mere 147 across all competitions.

• Starts: Zero. Zilch. Nada.

• Contract Status: Expiring in the summer of 2026.

It's a tough pill to swallow for a player of his pedigree, but the midfield pecking order at Villa is brutally competitive. Under Emery, the engine room is stacked:

🔹 Boubacar Kamara (The Anchor)

🔹 Amadou Onana (The Powerhouse)

🔹 Youri Tielemans (The Maestro)

🔹 John McGinn (The Heartbeat)

🔹 Even young Lamar Bogarde is getting the nod!

Against that lineup, Barkley has found himself, well... way down the list. The club's thinking is pragmatic, some might even say ruthless. With his contract winding down and a new deal looking about as likely as snow in the desert, Villa would rather cash in now than watch him leave for free in a few months. It's just smart business, really.

Now, let's talk about the gaffer. Since Unai Emery walked through the doors, very little has gone wrong. His tactical blueprint is etched onto every performance. So, when he makes a tough call—like consistently sidelining a talent like Barkley—it's hard to argue. You get the sense it's not a decision he takes lightly. Imagine telling a player with that much experience he's not part of the plans... oof. But Emery's philosophy is crystal clear: the team comes first, always. If a player, no matter how gifted, doesn't fit the specific tactical demands of the moment, they won't play. It's that simple, and it's why Villa are where they are.

For Barkley, his Villa chapter, which began with a move from Luton in 2024, seems to be reaching its final page. 37 appearances, 5 goals... it's a decent contribution, but football moves fast. The whispers suggest a January move is the cleanest solution for everyone involved. It gives Barkley a chance to find regular football elsewhere, and it allows Villa to potentially recoup some funds for their own plans.

The Big Questions:

1. Who's interested? The market is quiet for now, but a player of his quality on a potential cut-price deal? Someone will take a chance.

2. What's next for Villa? Freeing up wages and a squad spot could open the door for another Emery-approved addition.

3. A lesson in squad building? This situation is a masterclass in how top clubs must constantly evolve, making tough calls to stay ahead.

So, keep your eyes peeled in the coming weeks. The January window always has a few surprises, and Barkley's next destination could be one of them. It's the end of an era, of sorts, but at a club chasing the biggest prizes, sentiment often takes a back seat to strategy. The Emery era rolls on, relentless and focused, with every decision pointing toward one goal: silverware.