The race for Ross Barkley is picking up speed with Newcastle United and Leeds United reportedly interested in the Chelsea outcast.
According to 90Min, a race could be brewing for Chelsea outcast Ross Barkley, who is finding it hard to get into Thomas Tuchel’s side. Leeds United and Newcastle United have shown an interest in the midfielder, who is reportedly free to leave in January.
Barkley, who joined Chelsea in January 2018 from Everton, could leave in the next winter window as he does not seem to feature in Thomas Tuchel’s plans. The manager did praise him for his starring cameo appearance off the bench against Southampton, which resulted in a Chelsea victory, although he seems back to bench duties.
There were reports of an imminent departure in the summer transfer window, wherein interested clubs were forced to rethink financial commitments. However, those clubs could come back for another try in the January window, as Barkley looks eager to get regular game time.
At 27, Barkley still has a long future at any club he plays for, while the likes of Leeds United and Newcastle United are queueing up to sign him. The player’s representatives have sounded out a deal to both parties, and it remains to be seen what kind of deal might come on the table.
Marcelo Bielsa was interested in Barkley in the summer but ended up signing Daniel James from Manchester United. They might explore the opportunity of a loan deal for the midfielder, while Chelsea might prefer to sell him permanently.
He has a contract until 2023, and when next summer comes, his value might have dipped. The Blues are expecting to get a decent transfer fee with a permanent transfer, and to do such a deal, Leeds might show some reluctance.
As for Newcastle, they are flush with cash after their recent takeover was concluded. Barkley’s representatives have been in touch with the club to explore the possibility of a transfer. The Magpies might certainly be able to afford a deal.
However, the club has been linked with numerous stars across Europe and England in the last week. They might be inclined to put Barkley in their shortlist of potential targets, which they would evaluate further as January approaches.
Barkley also features on Burnley’s radar, while other clubs might come in between now and the end of December. Clubs will certainly want to do a temporary deal with the idea of purchasing the midfielder next summer when his value would be lower. Will Barkley be a good signing for Newcastle or Leeds? Well, he is experienced, suited to high-intensity play and wants out of Chelsea quite desperately.
