Everton told to complete ‘huge’ Ross Barkley signing as proposal made – pundit
Noel Whelan has claimed Ross Barkley could make a “real difference” at Everton if they bring the “experienced” midfielder back to the club.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 28-year-old can be “unplayable” when at his best.
According to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs (via EFC Daily, 20 July), Everton and Aston Villa have been offered Barkley as Chelsea look to trim their wage bill.
He claims Toffees boss Frank Lampard believes in the former England midfielder’s “huge potential”.
Barkley started his career at Goodison Park, making 179 appearances and scoring 27 goals before moving to the capital in 2018.
Everton have released midfielder Fabian Delph this summer, while Donny van de Beek returned to Man United after a loan spell on Merseyside.
Whelan told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “Barkley would offer a lot of experience – he’s been in and around the Premier League for a long time now.
“Yes, he’s not been settled at Chelsea, but there’s still a player in him.
“He has got such creativity, a real range of passing, and if you can get him in a good moment – he can make a real difference to a team like Everton.
“He’s someone who can be unplayable at times, but you want to see that consistency in his game.
“Many managers, including Frank, will admire him – but it can be tricky to bring a player back to their best when they’ve been out of the picture for so long.”
Barkley has less than a year remaining on his contract at Stamford Bridge.
He made just 14 appearances during the 2021-22 season – scoring once.
In other news, expert claims Frank Lampard needs “miracles” at Everton as £150m transfer claim made.