Hakim Ziyech’s arrival at Chelsea will make life more difficult for Ross Barkley as he looks at a massive reduction in playing time. Everton may offer him a way out by welcoming their former player back to Goodison Park.
Chelsea mean pure business after their transfer embargo was lifted with the Blues being pro-active in the transfer market. They have already wrapped up the signing of Ajax lynchpin Hakim Ziyech and are now very close to agreeing to terms with Timo Werner of RB Leipzig. Hakim Ziyech’s arrival adds more competition to an already stacked midfield consisting of Mateo Kovacic, N’Golo Kante, Jorginho and Ross Barkley.
Youngsters like Billy Gilmour and Mason Mount also give a good shout for selection and considering Lampard’s favorability of youngsters, these kids stand a good chance for selection. This puts Ross Barkley’s contention in doubt as the Englishman might just not be Lampard’s preferred choice anymore.
According to Guardian, Chelsea is willing to sell Barkley and a few other players that are no longer needed at Stamford Bridge. With the Englishman available in the market, Everton must remain alert and try to strike a deal as soon as possible. While the transfer stories of Adrien Rabiot, Allan and Matias Vecino prevail in the daily news pieces, Ross Barkley’s transfer could prove to be a smart move.
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Barkley graduated from the Toffees youth academy and was one of the brightest prospects at Everton. He was compared to the likes of Paul Gascoigne but his transfer to Chelsea in 2018 for £15 million divided fans’ opinion. For some, he was a traitor and none of these Everton supporters would want him back at any cost.
But looking at the bigger picture, Ross Barkley at 26, still has time and talent to succeed at the club. At Chelsea, the 26 year old has had a mixed season so far and the remaining fixtures could be key for Barkley to convince the Everton board and fans that he is still at the top of his game.
The biggest advantage will be that Barkley will return as a much more developed and matured player than the time he left Finch Farm. His versatility to play anywhere across midfield will help Carlo Ancelotti solve a number of issues. With Chelsea willing to sell Ross Barkley for a fee akin to £15 million, the player could be a steal for the Merseysiders.
Should the Toffees sign Ross Barkley?