Transfer News: Ross Barkley could be on way out of Chelsea this summer
Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley has struggled for minutes over the last couple of seasons. The former Everton man moved to Stamford Bridge in 2018 and has struggled since to fulfill his potential. He even spent the 2020/21 on loan at Aston Villa where he failed to enjoy better luck.
Now it looks like his forgetful spell in west London is coming to an end. According to The Express, the midfielder has hinted on Instagram that he could be returning to Goodison Park this summer. An exit looked very much on the cards for the 28-year-old and now it looks to be in the works.
The former England international has been deemed surplus to requirements by Thomas Tuchel. This is evident from the fact that he managed to make only six league appearances last season, starting just one. Now a return to familiar territory could be on the cards.
Barkley left Everton on a sour note and maybe this is his chance to amend fractured relationships. Frank Lampard’s Everton flirted with relegation last season and the former Chelsea boss is looking to strengthen his squad this summer to prevent another relegation dogfight.
The duo had worked together during Lampard’s time at the Bridge but Barkley never quite established himself as a regular. And now with the 28-year-old heavily linked with a move to Everton, this could be his chance to have more success with the manager. A loan deal and permanent move are said to have been proposed.
Should Barkley stay, it is very unlikely that his minutes will improve. The likes of N’Golo Kante, Jorginho, Mateo Kovacic and Conor Gallagher are all above him in the pecking order. With reports claiming that Chelsea are linked with Frenkie de Jong, an arrival would push the Englishman further down the pecking order.
An exit will be beneficial to both the club and player. His departure will allow Chelsea to reduce their wage bill to a certain extent. Such reduction will be a welcome sign to the club who are still in the market looking for players. For Barkley, this could be his chance at redemption with both his former club and career.
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Barkley did travel with the squad for their pre-season tour of the United States and even got to play. But that is no indication that he will be part of Tuchel’s plan for next season. The Englishman could end his disappointing time at Stamford Bridge this summer.
