The 28-year-old left Goodison Park for Stamford Bridge as one of England’s most promising midfielders but his spell in London has not gone to plan, Kyle Newbould reports for Echo News.
Ross Barkley has become a free agent after terminating his Chelsea contract by mutual consent.
The 28-year-old had one year remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge but has been looking for a move away all summer after falling down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel. The former England international spent the 2020/2021 campaign on loan at Aston Villa, but managed just 179 minutes for Chelsea in the Premier League last season – the equivalent of fewer than two games.
Ross Barkley has become a free agent after terminating his Chelsea contract by mutual consent.
The 28-year-old had one year remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge but has been looking for a move away all summer after falling down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel. The former England international spent the 2020/2021 campaign on loan at Aston Villa but managed just 179 minutes for Chelsea in the Premier League last season – the equivalent of less than two games.
With no place in Tuchel’s plans for the upcoming season, he and new owner Todd Boehly were keen to offload the attacking midfielder but have failed to find a suitor with the window closing on Thursday. And with a reported wage of around £ 200,000 per week, those in charge at Stamford Bridge have decided to pay up a year early.
‘Barkley’s final game was against Watford in May, and it was his late header that secured all three points in our last game of the season.
“We would like to thank Ross for his contribution to Chelsea and wish him well for the rest of his career.”
Scottish side Rangers are looking at bringing the former Toffees star across the border, and a return to Goodison Park had been tentatively linked earlier this summer – although such a move always seemed unlikely.
