According to The Mirror, Aston Villa will attempt to bring West Brom midfielder Gareth Barry back to the club if they are promoted.
What’s the story?
Barry, 37, is the leading all-time Premier League appearance maker with 653 games. He wants to play on in the top-flight and has a clause which would allow him to quit West Brom if the club are relegated.
The Baggies currently sit bottom of the Premier League with two games left. They are five points off safety and baring a miracle will be playing in the Championship next year.
Aston Villa are fourth in the Championship and will be looking secure promotion after being relegated in 2016. They have enjoyed an excellent season so far and will be hoping to secure promotion via the play-off places.
According to Transfermarkt, the midfielder is rated at £900k.
Barry shouldn’t go back to Villa and ruin his legacy
While Barry’s experience would prove useful for Villa, he should not return to the club and ruin his legacy.He should keep the memories from the start of his career intact. Currently, he is remembered as the unflappable teenager who grew into a versatile Villan, calm in possession, with a sweet left foot and the ability to combine efficiency and flair.
Although Barry has been a consummate professional throughout his career, his performances have slipped in the last season. He no longer has the legs needed to be a midfielder in the Premier League.
This is not the first time Barry has been linked with a return to Villa but if he was to sign it would be four years too late as they no longer have a Barry-shaped hole in their midfield. Bruce has a number of central midfielders to choose from, including Glenn Whelan, Mile Jedinak, Jack Grealish and Conor Hourihane.
All these players have proved this year that they are more than capable of controlling and winning games. Some lack Premier League experience but the last year has shown that Barry is no longer at the required level for the top flight.
If Villa are in the market for a midfielder then they should look elsewhere as signing Barry, while nostalgic, would be a mistake.
[ad_pod ]