Aston Villa Get Ready to Agree Ross Barkley Exit Amid Latest PSR Reveal

Aston Villa are preparing to sanction the departure of midfielder Ross Barkley in the January transfer window, driven by Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) pressures and squad overhaul ambitions under manager Unai Emery[1][2].

The club, still contending in the Premier League title race, seeks to strengthen its forward line amid financial constraints. Recent reports indicate Villa have already finalized a multi-million-pound deal for Brazilian winger Alysson from Gremio, with an initial £8.7m fee plus £1.75m in add-ons, positioning him as a development player potentially costing over £10m total[2][3]. This incoming business heightens the need for outgoing sales to comply with PSR regulations.

Interest in Newcastle United's versatile 22-year-old forward William Osula has resurfaced, after a summer pursuit fell through due to PSR concerns and a collapsed move to Eintracht Frankfurt. Securing Osula, valued around £35m with performance clauses, would require offloading players like Barkley, whose contract expires at season's end[2][3]. Villa tracked Osula previously but prioritized financial balance.

Barkley's exit aligns with his ongoing knee injury, sidelining him potentially until late January or February, reducing his immediate utility[4]. Sources suggest Emery views the move as opportunistic to refresh the squad, with bids for the experienced Englishman—who joined last summer—already under consideration[1].

Complicating matters is the situation with loanee Harrison Elliott, whose FIFA dual-club rule limits further moves within Europe this season, pushing Villa toward decisive sales like Barkley's to fund ambitions. The Daily Mail highlights that terminating loans or player sales remain key to facilitating targets like Osula[2].

Villa's strategy balances title aspirations with fiscal prudence, signaling a dynamic January window ahead.

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