Barkley would be ‘brilliant addition’ to Leeds in January after report – pundit
Alan Hutton has insisted Ross Barkley would be a “brilliant addition” at Leeds United in January.
The former Scotland international, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 27-year-old would shine in the Whites’ high-intensity system.
As reported by 90Min earlier this week (October 18th), Leeds, Burnley and Newcastle are all chasing Barkley’s signature ahead of the winter window.
The report claims the England international is surplus to requirements at Chelsea, who are happy to see him leave in January.
Barkley, contracted until 2023, has played just 36 total minutes for the Blues this term.
He was on loan at Aston Villa last season.
The midfielder made 24 appearances for the Midlands side, but Claret and Blue chiefs passed up on the opportunity to sign him permanently.
Hutton suggested “any team would want” Barkley at his scintillating best.
“He’s a fantastic player,” he told Football Insider‘s Russell Edge.
“I actually felt sorry for him at Aston Villa because he started really well and the injury he got really hampered him and he struggled after that.
“If you can get the best out of Ross Barkley, I think any team would want him.
“We’ve seen flashes of him coming on for Chelsea – he’s looked good, passing nice and sharp and he’s looked fit.
“If Bielsa can get him through that door, he comes in and does well for Leeds.
“The way they play with the high press, get him high up the field and let him make things happen – it would be a brilliant addition to the team.”
Barkley, who has scored 28 goals and provided 31 assists from 227 Premier League appearances, joined Chelsea in 2018 after leaving boyhood club Everton.
Leeds have won just once in the league this season – a 1-0 victory over Watford.
In other news, pundit delivers verdict on key Leeds United figure departing the club.