According to a recent report by the Fichajes, Leeds United are eyeing a January move for Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley. It is believed that Bielsa is now keen on reinforcements in the upcoming winter transfer window after a disappointing start to the new season as Leeds find themselves only one place above the relegation zone in the Premier League. Barkley has emerged as one of the top targets for Leeds who are looking for an addition to the creative department. Leeds are hopeful of signing the Englishman for a cut-price offer as lack of playing minutes is the player’s main concern.
Ross Barkley’s Lack Of Playing Time At Chelsea
Since joining Chelsea in 2018, Ross Barkley has had a difficult time and has struggled to get regular minutes at the club and hence not lived up to his full potential. The English midfielder was sent on loan to Aston Villa last season but returned to Stamford Bridge in the summer after failing to make an impression.
Since returning to Chelsea, Barkley has only played 126 minutes of Premier League football, falling behind the likes of Mason Mount, Kai Havertz and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the pecking order of Thomas Tuchel. Hence, a move away from Stamford Bridge is seemingly a possibility for Barkley, with Leeds United ready to offer him an opportunity to get back to his best form.
Should Chelsea Let Barkley Go?
With the likes of Jorginho, N’Golo Kante, Ruben Loftus Cheek, Mason Mount, Kai Havertz, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi to choose from, Ross Barkley has fallen down the pecking order of Thomas Tuchel’s selection. There has been no doubt in the quality and talent which the English midfielder possesses but his main issue has been to provide it consistently and at a club like Chelsea who hope to have the highest standards from their players, it becomes a key factor.
Thomas Tuchel plays his team in a 3-4-2-1 system where both the attacking midfielders drop a little deep to allow the wing backs much more space to create from. Dropping deep has never been Barkley’s strength, as he likes to push up front into the penalty area to create or finish off chances.
Now it remains to be seen if Leeds United can work a deal for the Englishman with Chelsea as they desperately look to swoop in the midfielder who not only gives them an attacking edge but a whole lot of Premier League experience too.
