Luton Town were the neutrals’ favourites in the Premier League last season.
Rob Edwards’ side played an enterprising style of football with a squad containing the likes of Andros Townsend and Ross Barkley.
It felt like a throwback to a bygone era of Premier League football, and Barkley in particular shone at Kenilworth Road.
The former England international was the beating heart of Luton’s midfield, contributing nine goals and assists as the Hatters narrowly missed out on survival.
But with Luton back in the Championship, they seem resigned to losing Barkley, who they bought in on a free transfer last summer.
Barkley’s performances have caught the attention of Aston Villa, who look set to part with £5m for their former loanee as they attempt to bolster their squad ahead of a gruelling Champions League campaign next season.
Barkley’s departure could open the door for Allan Campbell, who is looking for a second chance after a disappointing loan spell at Millwall.
Campbell played an important role in Luton’s promotion to the Premier League but was deemed unsuited to topflight football.
So, with Luton looking to bounce back up again following their relegation, Campbell could be handed a new lease on life.
Barkley to make the move to Aston Villa
Barkley arrived at Luton at perhaps the lowest ebb of his career following a difficult spell in France at Nice.
It would have been easy for Barkley to coast through last season relying on reputation alone.
But the 30-year-old bought into the project at Luton and became a mainstay of their side as they rallied together over the winter period to put themselves in contention to beat the drop.
Indeed, his sparkling midfield performances were a key part of why by many were so impressed with the Hatters last term and why they troubled some of the bigger top flight clubs.
Ultimately, Luton, though they were brave, didn’t have enough nouse to close out games and were relegated on the final day after a 4-2 loss to Fulham.
Barkley, however, came out of last season with his reputation restored, and he now looks set to play Champions League football next season with Villa close to agreeing a deal for the midfielder.
Campbell could benefit from Barkley departure
Barkley’s imminent departure will cause a massive rift in Luton’s squad but one that Campbell will be keen to fill.
The Scotland international was a trusted member of the Hatters’ squad between 2021 and 2023, as they battled for promotion.
It will have hurt him that he was in essence replaced by Barkley once promotion had been secured. But with the England international set to leave the club, Campbell has another opportunity to impress.
The 25-year-old endured limited minutes on loan at Millwall last season, but he has shown his quality in the Championship before and his versatility could prove useful.
Campbell can play across the midfield, providing a threat in and out of possession, and with Luton likely to play in excess of 50 games next season, there could be minutes for him if he can rediscover his old form.
If Edwards doesn’t see a place for him in his plans then the Scot may well be offloaded this summer but Barkley’s exit has offered him hope that there could be space for him in midfield – even if just as a bit-part player.
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