Everton: Ross Barkley’s Chelsea snub gives new life to Spurs
By Paul Taylor
With Ross Barkley refusing to join Chelsea, Tottenham Hotpur will reportedly return with a new bid for the Everton midfielder in January.
Everton were so close to bringing the Ross Barkley saga to a conclusion. Yes, they would have preferred he stayed, but with Chelsea agreeing a fee of up to £35 million, at least the Blues could finally put the unsavoury episode behind them.
Unfortunately for them, Barkley had other ideas, when he rejected his proposed transfer to Chelsea. We may never find out for sure what happened in respect of the medical, i.e. at what point the deal was called off, but regardless, Everton and the wantaway midfielder are now stuck with each other until at least January.
From the 23-year-old’s perspective, he apparently did not want the Blues dictating his future. Further, he didn’t like them allegedly not entering into renewed negotiations with Tottenham Hotspur.
In that respect, it is Spurs who will theoretically benefit most from Barkley snubbing a move to Stamford Bridge. Especially if the Evening Standard‘s latest report is true.
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The Standard‘s Tom Collomosse writes that Spurs will return to Everton during the January transfer window, with another attempt to sign Barkley. In truth, this suits Tottenham perfectly, after doubts about paying at this stage, for a player who is currently out with a hamstring injury.
In addition, Spurs will be better suited to pay a more reasonable — in their mind — fee for Barkley, who in January, will only have eight months remaining on his current contract. The Toffees had originally set a fee of £50 million, which was a figure Tottenham were never going to get remotely close to.
Until then, the England international will have to contend with the very real possibility he will not be going to the World Cup next year. Even when he returns from injury around November time, manager Ronald Koeman has already vowed to freeze him out, after refusing to sign a new deal with Everton.
Further, if…if…the Blues decide against selling Barkley in January, he could conceivably spend the rest of the 2017/18 campaign on the sidelines. Without regular first team football, his chances of being selected to go to Russia will only further decrease.
What would you do with Barkley, once he returns from injury – play him or keep him on the sidelines? Further, what is the most the Blues are likely to receive for the midfielder in the January transfer window? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.