Free-scoring Celtic are enjoying a boisterous Premiership run with emphatic victories over Dundee United and Kilmarnock. They have bolstered themselves this summer by roping in the likes of Aaron Mooy, Alexandro Bernabei, Sead Hakšabanović and Moritz Jenz, but a final piece of business might still be pursued amid the availability of Ross Barkley upon the termination of his Chelsea contract. According to Ben Jacobs of CBS Sports, the Hoops are rivalling bitter rivals Rangers as well as an array of Premier League clubs for the Three Lions international.
Ross Barkley has left Chelsea by mutual consent. There is genuine interest from Rangers and Celtic. Plenty of Premier League clubs have considered Barkley, too.
— Ben Jacobs (@JacobsBen) August 29, 2022
The 28-year-old Liverpool-born midfield attacker progressed through the youth ranks of Everton before breaking into their senior side back in 2011. He was then loaned out to Championship for regular gametime and the spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United helped him develop as a creative playmaker.
Upon his return to Goodison Park, Barkley was handed a key attacking role for his technicality and powerful runs. He featured week in week out over the next few years, however, the Englishman opted against the contract extension in order to complete a £15m transfer to Stamford Bridge in January 2018.
What Went Wrong and Why Celtic Should Make The Call
The move did not work out though as he failed to cement his place due to form and fitness reasons along with early controversies. The Blues decided to loan him out to Aston Villa for the 2020-21 season, but the former Everton youngster faded off in spite of a bright beginning at Villa Park. Villa refused to secure his services on permanent terms and the midfielder, therefore, returned to his parent club last summer.
Although he was deployed sporadically by Thomas Tuchel during the previous campaign, the limited gametime did him no favour in terms of reviving his Chelsea career. Barkley failed to impress in a bit-part role and the club, despite an underwhelming start so far this term, agreed on terminating his contract by mutual consent.
Celtic, on the other hand, have not replaced the vision and creativity of Tom Rogic. Barkley, irrespective of his inconsistency and limitations, could fill the Aussie wizard’s boots in the middle of the park. Having said that, the England international must attune to the demands of ‘Angeball’ to shine in Postecoglou’s free-flowing football.
