Chelsea strike £15 million deal for Ross Barkley
According to BBC Sport’s Phil McNulty, Chelsea and Everton have agreed a fee of £15 million for attacking midfielder, Ross Barkley.
Chelsea came close to signing Barkley in the summer, but the deal broke down at the eleventh hour. Now, Everton have accepted a new offer for Ross Barkley from the Pensioners.
Barkley’s contract expires in the off-season, and he has refused to commit himself to an extension on Merseyside. Therefore, Everton have sold him quickly to recoup some value.
According to Phil McNulty writing for BBC Sport, Chelsea and Everton have agreed a fee of £15 million for the attacking midfielder. The two clubs had reached an agreement for the player in August, but the move allegedly broke down at Barkley’s medical.
Unfortunately for the Toffees, the January deal is far lower than the offer tabled in the summer. Priced at just above £15 million this time round according to the Liverpool Echo, Everton will lose about £20 million overall.
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Earlier in December, we speculated Barkley could play for Everton again, but it was clear that selling in January was a shrewd move. Due to his age, Barkley cannot be signed on a pre-contract, but Everton would lose him for nothing in the off-season. This would be a disaster, considering the 24-year-old’s clear talent.
It was thought the Barkley transfer saga could drag on for longer. Tottenham were alleged to be interested.
Only this morning, the Liverpool Echo reported a preliminary enquiry from Chelsea. This has escalated quickly, so it’s safe to say Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has moved quickly to complete the signing.
Barkley has not played a first-team game since the 2016-17 season. In his Everton career, he made 150 league appearances and scored 21 goals.
All in all, Barkley has made a real contribution for The Blues. Hopefully the manner of his exit will not ruin the connection the boyhood Evertonian has with the club.
Next: Everton need reinforcements after Man U loss
What are your thoughts on Barkley’s move? Do you think Everton were able to strike a good deal for the midfielder? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.