The former Everton and Chelsea man spent much of last season with Ligue 1 Nice in France but has over 200 appearances to his name in the Premier League.

But having experienced Kenilworth Road – he was on the bench when Chelsea came to town in the FA Cup in March 2022 – the 29-year-old is itching to get back on the pitch in Hatters colours.

“It means everything to be back, I’ve been playing in the Premier League since I was 17, so to get an opportunity to come back with a team with a lot of ambition is great for me so I’m over the moon,” said Barkley.

“I’ve been told about the togetherness by the manager, Gary Sweet and I know Marvelous Nakamba really well, and they all spoke really highly about this club.

“Coming to a club that has come from the Conference to the Premier League, a team that plays with no fear and with a mentality to win excites me.”

Meanwhile manager Rob Edwards believes his newest addition is the perfect fit – in many ways.

“When we spoke to him, he told us that he wants to enjoy his football and we can give him that platform,” said Edwards.

“He’s under no illusions – he knows he’s got to graft and work hard but everyone I’ve spoken to has had nothing but good things to say: that he’s always the best trainer, the hardest worker – and we want him to come in and set those standards with us.

“What he’s achieved so far in his career – already at 29 – is impressive and this shows that he’s not afraid to come to a so-called less glamourous place. We need him and he needs us so it’s a good time and a perfect fit.

“What it shows is the ambition he has. He is hungry and has the desire to help us hopefully achieve our goals, and also from a personal point of view, there’s a platform here to maybe get back to where he sees he should be.

“A signing like this is great for the group, too. I’ve seen over the past couple of weeks that whenever a new player has arrived the levels of the group has increased so I hope this will drive the group again.”