Ross Barkley, Everton’s attacking midfielder was subjected to endless transfer speculation over the summer. Barkley, who has entered the final year of his contract, has not yet put pen to paper on an extension and is unlikely to do so. Chelsea reportedly submitted a late bid for the Everton man but Barkley’s pre-season hamstring injury defaulted the £35 million bid.
Barkley, who is close to gaining fitness, is almost surely going to move in January with both player and club keen to see a deal through. Everton have softened their stance over the player and are keen to not lose their player on a free transfer. It means they might willing to accept a cut-price deal for their midfielder otherwise risk losing him for free next summer.
Barkley is a dynamic and technically gifted player with a certain love for the dramatics. Unlike most other English players of the yesteryear, Barkley may not be the consistent player but has enough zap in his game to create a difference on the pitch. He is known for his expansive style of play and always looks to make the sharp pass, the fancy dribble or try the outrageous shot rather than keep the ball rolling in the park.
A player with good pace and power, Barkley was praised by FC Barcelona legend Xavi when he said that Ross was good enough to play in the La Liga. The 23-year old is already a dynamic midfielder and has the perfect years ahead of him to mature and mould into a superstar player if he can stay injury free and add more composure to his game.
Chelsea’s move for Barkley would tick multiple boxes for the club. First and foremost it would take care of the homegrown players’ quota, a developing problem at SW6 since the departures of Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and John Terry.
As for Everton, in the inflated transfer market, the Everton board and Ronald Koeman brought in an arsenal of summer signings that saw Everton spend a net amount of £142.38m. The statement of ambition from the Merseyside club was short-lived.
Fifteen matches into the Premier League season and Everton have been through hell and back. The introduction of Sam Allardyce to the club has made the fans hopeful again and it is now being reported that Big Sam wants to keep a hold of one his most promising midfield talents in the form of Ross Barkley.
Whether Barkley will be inspired by the new manager in charge or still seek a move come January, remains to be seen.
