Luton Town can confirm the permanent transfer of midfielder Ross Barkley to Aston Villa for an undisclosed fee.

The 30-year-old joined the Hatters last August as a free agent after a season in France with Ligue 1 club Nice.

With 33 England caps to his name, the former Everton and Chelsea man’s signing caught everyone by surprise ahead of our first Premier League campaign, but no-one was shocked to see him soon running the Town midfield as he helped Rob Edwards’ side adapt to the top flight.

After an early injury set-back, Ross returned to action in October and started 32 consecutive league and cup matches between the trip to Villa Park at the end of that month and our final away game at West Ham in mid-May.

A calf strain sustained in East London forced him to miss the final match against Fulham, but the Kenilworth Road faithful left Ross in no doubt about the esteem in which he is held.

They sang his name as he collected both the Loyal Luton and Luton Town Supporters’ Trust’s Player of the Year awards before kick-off, then again when he joined his team-mates on their lap of appreciation after the game.

In total, the rejuvenated midfielder scored five times and provided six assists in 37 appearances for the Hatters, with many tipping him for a return to the national squad.

That personal target is one he will now take into the new campaign as he returns to Champions League football with Aston Villa, where he spent the 2020/21 campaign on loan from Chelsea.

Manager Rob Edwards said: “We are disappointed to see Ross go, but we completely understand it and he leaves with our best wishes and thanks.

“It was great to work with him for a season. He was amazing, provided lots of good memories for us all and the supporters fell in love with him, but I’m sure everyone will understand the opportunity.

“Playing in the Premier League is important for Ross, as is Champions League football. He still wants to play for England and believes this gives him the best chance to do so.

“We’ve had a good chat and Ross has thanked me and the club. We are parting on good terms and you never know what the future holds, I’ve got to say that.

“He loves all of the supporters and he wants to come back to watch a game. He actually said, ‘I want to come back for the Watford derby!’

“So let’s give him a great reception when he does come back during the season. He’ll always be welcome.”

CEO Gary Sweet added: “To have a player of Ross Barkley’s stature and class grace the Kenilworth Road pitch has been an absolute joy to watch for all of us Luton Town supporters.

“To be able to give him a home for a season and a haven for the rest of his career – he knows he can always lean on us – is an absolute win-win situation for both parties.

“Ross came here and bought into everything that Luton Town is about. He’s loved his time at the club and of course, every single one of us would choose Champions League football over the Championship, so no-one should ever question his decision to want to rejoin Aston Villa.

“We thank him for his service to the football club in the short time he has been here, and wish him every success at Villa Park and in the future.”