Ross Barkley joins Aston Villa on season-long loan from Chelsea

The England international is Dean Smith’s fifth signing of the window

Ross Barkley celebrates scoring against Barnsley (AFP via Getty)

Ross Barkley has joined Aston Villa on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

The England international, 26, is the fifth arrival at Villa Park this summer.

Barkley follows Ollie Watkins, Bertrand Traore, Emiliano Martinez and Matty Cash through the doors at Villa Park.

Dean Smith said: “Capturing a player of Ross’s quality is a real coup for our Club and I am certain he will thrive here and improve our team.”

Barkley joined the Blues for £15m in January 2018, and the former Everton star has played 86 times, scoring 11 goals. 

Barkley was an unused substitute in the 3-3 draw at West Brom on Saturday and the penalty shoot-out defeat to Spurs on Tuesday night.

He shone in the 6-0 Carabao Cup victory over Barnsley though, scoring once.