Sheffield United will reportedly look to sign 32-year-old versatile English midfielder Ross Barkley from Aston Villa in the winter transfer window.
According to a report by Football Insider, Ross Barkley is the subject of interest from Sheffield United. The Blades are keen on reinforcing their first-team squad by signing a versatile midfielder in the winter transfer window. So, the 32-year-old Aston Villa midfielder has emerged as a target for the EFL Championship outfit.
Sheffield United will attempt to secure Barkley’s services on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season, and they have registered their interest in the Englishman. While the former Everton and Chelsea midfielder’s high wages may pose a problem, the Blades “are hopeful they could work out a deal” in the winter transfer window.
How has Ross Barkley fared at Aston Villa?
Ross Barkley has endured a topsy-turvy ride since joining Aston Villa from Luton Town in July 2024. The 32-year-old finally resurrected his stuttering fortunes after Rob Edwards took a chance on him, with his solitary campaign with the Hatters compelling many Premier League clubs to pursue his signature before Aston Villa secured his services.
However, fitness issues have plagued Barkley throughout his spell with Aston Villa, and he is currently in the treatment room due to a knee injury. The versatile English midfielder has not even managed 150 minutes of game time across eight outings thus far in the 2025/26 season. Nevertheless, Barkley’s stock is high, with Sheffield United among the prospective suitors vying for his signature in the winter transfer window.
Championship move on the horizon?
Sheffield United’s interest in Ross Barkley is understandable. The Blades may be 16th in the EFL Championship standings, but they still have an outside chance of securing a promotion playoff spot with 21 games to go, as they are nine points behind sixth-placed Watford.
At the same time, they are not completely clear of the relegation threat, with Norwich City and Oxford United having a similar gap to the South Yorkshire club. So, Sheffield United will dip into the market for reinforcements in the winter transfer window, with Barkley emerging as a viable target.
Sheffield United will aim to secure the 32-year-old Englishman’s services on loan until the end of the 2025/26 season, and they have expressed their interest in him. While the former Everton and Chelsea midfielder’s high wages may pose a problem, the Blades “are hopeful they could work out a deal” in the winter transfer window. It will be interesting to see what the future holds for Barkley.