In a recent interview with Give Me Sport, journalist Simon Phillips mentioned that Newcastle United are facing stiff competition for Chelsea talent Ross Barkley. Phillips said,
“With Ross Barkley, he’s got a lot of other clubs interested in him at the moment so it’s not just Everton. He’s got Brighton, Newcastle, West Ham and Aston Villa and Celtic. So got plenty of options to go to.”
Barkley’s Unimpressive Campaign At Stamford Bridge
The 28-year-old played a sporadic role in Thomas Tuchel’s squad last season as he failed to get regular first-team starts in Premier League football. The English sensation was involved in 14 matches for the Blues in the previous campaign, netting one goal in the process across various competitions.
Barkley had to settle for a spot on the bench quite often but performed well to average 1.5 shots, 1.3 key passes and 1.2 dribbles per game in the English first division. He was even careful when distributing the ball from midfield after making 85.1% of his attempted passes in league football (stats via whoscored).
Will Barkley Be A Good Signing For Newcastle United Head Coach Eddie Howe?
Barkley can strike the ball with a lot of power and precision which makes him a goal threat from long range. He can even create some decent chances for his teammates to find the back of the net and is usually quite clever with his movements in and around the opposition penalty box. Barkley usually operates as a box-to-box midfielder but can even serve as an attacking midfielder in the opponent’s half if needed.
The English talent can keep the ball moving quite well but has to figure out a way to earn more playing opportunities in the coming seasons.
Newcastle can definitely use someone of Barkley’s quality to enhance the quality of their midfield department this summer. The Chelsea outcast has what it takes to make an instant impact at St. James’ Park if the Magpies can figure out a way to sign him before the end of this summer transfer window.
Barkley is good enough to add some goals and creativity to Eddie Howe‘s first team and could help the Tyneside giants push for a European spot in the Premier League this season. With all things considered, the English midfield ace will be a decent signing for the Magpies to consider this summer as long as Howe is willing to play him regularly at the Tyneside club.
