Barkley coming back to save Everton!

There are rumours that Ross Barkley is set to return on a 12-month contract and has already started training with us. 2 posts appeared on Facebook in the last 3 or 4 hours claiming the above.

Neil, I hope there's no truth in it, I can't see Dyche entertaining Ross Barkley, but who knows with the teary-eyed one shockingly still involved in negotiating transfers.

Only got 8 Premier League appearances in his last 2 years with Chelsea, Nice didn't want to retain him on a free with a £23k pw salary.

I don't think his overall game is good enough. Chelsea didn't, and Nice didn't. It would be interesting to see how he got on for say Luton. They may take a gamble at £20k pw.

Is it not possible that Barkley is merely training with the club until he is signed by someone?

Whether Everton should sign him may be a matter of how fit and committed he is on the right sort of deal and if he can recapture the form that made him an England starter and impressed quite a few in the game.

Given Mr Dyche's penchant for players who run around a lot (Maupay before Simms?) I wouldn't have thought that was previously part of Barkley's game.

Tony and Alan,

Agreed that Barkley is not a Dyche-esque type of player and probably just another click-bait type rumour.

There is a nasty rumour circulating today that Ross Barkley has agreed a 12-month deal.

Andrew,

"There is a nasty rumour circulating today that Ross Barkley has agreed a 12-month deal."

Andrew, that's nasty of you to circulate that rumour!

This rumour has been circulating for a wee while...

Just remembering about 8 years back when Barkley was telling anyone who’d listen that he saw himself as a centre forward……

I know all the reasons why not to, but a 12-month deal for Ross Barkley is not the worst idea I have heard. Assuming that there is no fee involved and he can still stand on two feet.

David,

I definitely think we are short on numbers in midfield but having the heart for a scrap was never one of his best qualities.

Perhaps Ross is being brought back to work on the 'skeletal' structure. We need all hands on deck, apparently.

“Not Tom Davies again.”

“There is a nasty rumour circulating today that Ross Barkley has agreed a 12 month deal”

A timely opportunity to plug a piece about Tom Davies, that also discusses Ross Barkley?

Not really, but I'll take it.

Can be found here for those who are interested (and very, very bored):

Link

Mike;

That might not be a bad idea as Barkley is big enough, has the control and a shot but don't recall his aerial ability at all.

Certainly as a Calvert-Lewin back-up if we don't get anyone in and, of course, assuming he is fit enough and on a rolling contract at around the reported £23k pw Nice were paying him.

The problem with Barkley is he's not the sharpest tool in the toolbox. He has absolutely no idea what's going on around him!

Hahahahahaha Barkley. Hahahahahaha. The prodigal son returns. I can honestly see this happening. Bill has been round to his Mum's house for the negotiations over a cuppa. Will announce it on the OS as a coup, because Ross gets us. Only £75k/week on a 5-year contract!

Contrary to the belief of some, if enough pressure is applied to these bastards at Everton, they will sell as they won't be able to tolerate the bad press and the ongoing loss of value. And there are always investors around looking for “value” (this isn't like selling Man Utd).

Given the chances of staying in the division are slimmer than posh spice, the value of the club is falling anyway. And will continue to fall with these halfwits in charge. So thinking it's not a good idea to protest (to protect the value) is only prolonging the pain, and it will get much much worse as we'll be playing footie in an expensive new stadium in Div 3, saddled with debt and be the laughing stock of the football world.

You couldn't make it up. Oh wait, Bill Kenwright did.

David, agreed, I’d welcome him back, he chips in with goals and can pass the ball, maybe his decision-making has got better with age, on a free on similar wages he’s on with Nice, I’d take him back all day long on those terms.

One thing's for sure: we need anyone who can chip in with goals as our 2-year wait for a striker continues, and still no sign of the lesser spotted Calvert-Lewin in preseason

Barkley hasn't had a good season since 2017. Have people not learnt a lesson from Dele Alli?

I know we're desperate but I don't think expecting jaded, tired, injury-prone players to magically turn the clock back and play like they did in their early 20s is not the answer.

Recruiting according to reputation rather than form and fit is exactly what got us into this mess.

Thanks but no thanks !

I thought it was now Xitter with the X pronounced like the Chinese do.

Mick - only 2 years?

Not for me. Not good enough.

This rumour raises its head every window.Still the same answer now as the first time “ No,no and thrice no.”

Bad news this one! Luckily I heard the good news first.

Given, his arsing around, when moving to Chelsea, cost us around £20m plus, if this comes about he should pay us to play !

Jack that's just wrong I'm afraid. Barkley was injured at the time so Chelsea refused to sign him. It had nothing too do with Ross.

This was always going to happen, we have always been a bit of an old boys club. As long as the wages are cheap I think he gives us an attacking option off the bench to try and change a game from midfield which we definitely don't have. I'd sign him 12 months with an option for another 12 months and then sell him to Saudi next summer for a small profit after he scores one screamer for us all season.

Paul, it had everything to do with Ross. He was having his medical when Kenwright phoned him and asked him to come back, because Kenwright had spoken with Koeman, who said he would play Barkley when he was fit. A deal of £35M had been agreed with Chelsea, who, just six months later ended up only paying £15M for him. Barkley should have told Kenwright to do one, and signed for Chelsea there and then. So Jacks right, Barkley did cost us £20M.

Rob #27

Your story directly tells us how Kenwright cost us £20M rather than Barkley!!!

If you want us to conclude differently I suggest you tell the story in a different way 😃

Ben, I read that and concluded differently as is. Tighten up your ‘us’ remarks please

Ben, a deal had been agreed with Chelsea to sign Barkley for £35M. Barkley is having a medical, and was therefore quite happy to conclude the deal and sign for Chelsea. If he wasn’t happy to go there, then he wouldn’t have been having a medical. So yeah, Barkley did cost us £20M.

Rob#30

But the sub text to your story is that Barkley wanted to play minutes on the pitch for us which Kenwright indicated that Koeman would provide.

Why else would he have scuppered his own deal with the only variable being that he would play on the pitch for Everton?

It’s literally your story mate!!!!

Because, Ben. Kenwright made it up, just to get Barkley back. And it’s not a story, well, not to me anyway, because I know people ITK who were actually in the same room as Barkley when he was having his medical. So, I’ll leave it there, because I’m not going divulge any further information.

Rob #32

But if Kenwright made it up then surely that’s EVEN MORE evidence for it being his fault rather than Barkleys???

Mate, you literally wrote ‘He was having his medical when Kenwright phoned him and asked him to come back, because Kenwright had spoken with Koeman, who said he would play Barkley when he was fit’

That says that Barkleys primary motivation was to play for Everton.

The fact that Kenwright lied isn’t on Barkley is it???

You’ve shared a story that says Barkley was lied to and then concluded it’s Barkley’s fault!!!

I don’t want to argue with you but objectively, surely you can see that?

Ok Ben, if it makes you happy, Barkley didn’t cost Everton £20M.

Ross had actually agreed a new deal under koeman and was ready to sign. But then koeman changed his mind and went back on the deal.

I also believe that Barclay would get more money from the fee if he waited to January and effectively a free agent so pulled the deal.

Rob #34

I literally don’t know whether Barkley cost us £20M or not (from the way the media reported it felt like he did and it upset/annoyed me)

BUT your story that you shared indicated that the £35m deal was all set to go through but for Kenwright’s intervention.

That was YOUR story mate.

Which indicates that Kenwright cost us £20M

(And you know what, whilst one should take every story on its own merits, it’s entirely believable that Blue Bill screwed us and Barkley over).

Please don’t get mad at me - I have no beef with you at all - I’m only sharing how YOUR story actually pointed to a different culprit. Sorry for any offence

Rob's story about Barkley and the elements provided by others, shows just how we got into the situation we find ourselves in today.

My understanding of the situation, but, only from reading this thread, manager isn't picking player, player wants to play, but decides to leave, chairman talks to manager and gets a positive response about the player being in his plans, chairman persuades player to stay and then player leaves for less money, sometime later.

None of this may be true or all of it may, but it looks and sounds like a circus, so it must be a circus, with Billy not so smart being the ringmaster.

Paul # 35………you may be right with that, I don’t know if that was the case or not, but to me, Barkley didn’t think his future lied with Everton, Chelsea wanted him and so he went down to discuss terms, have a medical, and then pulled the plug halfway through his medical. So who did cost Everton £20M? Barkley for not going through with his medical, before signing on the dotted line, or Kenwright for phoning him up and giving him some bullshit story? You can draw your own conclusions because I will not be saying anymore on this matter.

Here we go. I'll be the first to say it: He is sh***.

Ben, no offence taken mate, and I can see your logic about either Barkley or Kenwright costing the club £20M, but for me, Barkley should have told Kenwright to do one and gone ahead with his transfer.

So much for not saying anything more on the matter Rob! But for what it’s worth I agree with you.

Stu, while you’re on, I read from someone on here the other day that they were in Barbados, and I’m sure it was you. Was it you?

I'm with you Rob as my thoughts have always been in line with those expressed by you in your posts.

That aside Barkley has always had a high opinion of himself and has a tendency to perform when HE feels like it. One last thing about him he had a lack of awareness of what is going on around him or a lack of concentration which devalued his overall game considerably.

So even on a Free with minimum wages, as he isn't a Dyche type of player, some would say lazy, the answer to the question Should We Take A Gamble? The answer has to be We Don't Need Him So No

Why even debate such absolute rubbish ffs! Must be a veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery slow news day.

The cubic zirconia returns.

From one that supported him for as far as emotion stretched... then finally saw and accepted reality... and not withstanding Koeman's untimely machinations: No.

Ha ha, can see blubbering Bill claiming the return of the golden child. Laughing stock if this happens.

Already a laughing stock, Ray. No ifs.

Interesting to see so many free agents available just two weeks before the new season.

I think the gravy train has dried up so the De Gea, Moura, Davies, Barkley, Lingard, Chamberlain, Mina, Isco crowd are waiting on their agents getting deals based on what they earnt beforehand and not accepting they were all on grossly inflated wages. If they want to play, they all need to slash their wage demands by 50 or 80%.

Gray has a verbal agreement to join Fulham apparently, per Alan Myers.

Tbf, he's literally free.

If he signed on a pay to play contract would it be that bad? If he doesn't perform he'd at least provide another body in training and wouldn't cost anything.

First reaction was ‘no way' but if it costs us relatively nothing then why not? Could come off the bench as an impact sub etc.

My only gripe with Barkley was that I could never figure out what his position was. He wasn't a striker, nor a No 10, nor a winger, nor a box-to-box midfielder, nor a central midfielder. Loads of talent but no idea what position to play him regularly. Seemed to be an issue with Chelsea, no idea about Nice.

If he costs us bugger all, then why not?

Looks like Gray is away to Fulham.

If Gray goes to Fulham, that could come back and bite Dyche on the bum in the very first match of the new season? I honestly thought he would join Roy at Palace as a replacement for Zaha.

If Dyche doesn't see him as his type of player, then he's entitled to move on, I just wish it had been overseas rather than in the Premier League.

Can't see Barkley coming back even on a free. What can he offer that he couldn't achieve at Chelsea.

We have an okay bunch of midfielders at present and we don't need another pulling big wages.

Demari Gray is another who really hasn't done an awful lot so Fulham can have him and we will have Mitrovic (laugh).

All beef aside from his exit, if we can unload Gbamin and Gomes, and Gray does in fact leave, I don't mind it on a free.

Forget the exit... it's hard to believe a 29-year-old 30+ international cap attacker couldn't offer something to this current side.

There's a bit of revisionism too about his time with us. He was great. Young, developing, and a bit careless... but great.

Low risk. If he's still got anything left then it's worth some consideration. Unfortunately I can't really comment on what is left as I don't follow the French league and haven't seen him play in a long time.

I don't buy the 'not a Dyche type of player', by the way. I'm not even sure what that means.

Martinez rates him

Incredible Barkley

Misunderstood Barkley

Rob & Ben,

I remember at the time that the fans didn't want Barkley to leave and were ecstatic that the deal with Chelsea fell through.

I try to avoid the transfer speculation but it's inevitable that you get sucked in.

Like many, I had high hopes for him as he broke through. Personally (and I don't know), it did seem to go to his head a bit and he stopped trying and working in my opinion. He was / is a good footballer, but you have to earn the right to play football and work hard.

I have always had a theory on Ross, that I will repeat. I don't think he was coached properly as a youngster. He was probably bigger, quicker and more powerful than those around him. So he was left to it rather than having his faults ironed out at a younger age. All players have them, you just have to catch them and coach them early. You could often see it as he frequently tried to win the game on his own like a 10-year-old.

“Sarri's philosophy has helped me a lot because over the years I haven't been coached much."

His own words.

He's approaching 30 now, so he is not going to get any better and seems to have lost his way and desire for the game. All an opinion obviously, and not based on fact, but there are parallels to Dele Alli.

It's that time of year, I also see he is linked with Middlesborough.

On a lighter note, that goal against Newcastle was special and if the memory serves, his introduction to the Chelsea fans was amusing as our Ross proceeded to walk over to the away end and had to be re-directed!!

For me, another great talent with potential that never fulfilled. Into the 'What could have been' tray.

Barkley always had flaws in his game but I watched him play for Chelsea in a cup game before he went to France and he was terrific.

If you look at our very ordinary midfield, then it is clear that he is a cut above any of them, in an attacking role.

Barkley was/is a talented, gifted footballer and a very poor decision-maker. That meant he was never consistently effective enough. The really good players do the basics consistently well.

I'd have him back.

Eric @59,

I was fuming when the plug was pulled on Barkley not signing for Chelsea. I didn't think you needed hindsight to think he was going to sign for them in the next transfer window for a lot less money.

I wouldn't blame Bill Kenwright either because I'm sure he would have also known this. I would put it down to Barkley's agent just doing his job to get his client a better deal.

A good assessment, Danny, and whilst it's obvious that Ross Barkley has always had real talent, Eddie D, he's always lacked consistency, and to be a successful footballer, then surely this has got to be rule number one?

If he's not a Dyche player, then this will only be because “he doesn't work hard enough on a consistent basis” imo. When you read Sam's last paragraph @17, it's obvious that way too many people have been stealing a living at Everton because our recruitment has been dreadful for a very long time now.

I hope you're correct, Kieran @50, but my worry is that some of these players have had such great contracts that they probably don't want to get out of bed for less than fifty grand a week?

Not Tom Davies, obviously, because he is a kid who I believe has been a massive victim of the Evertonia mismanagement and I hope he goes and proves this in the future!

I wonder why Nice doesn't want him? Apparently Gomes played well for Lille and they want to retain him. So do we have a better player in our hands already?

Gray out, Barkley in? Sounds about right for this crazy club.

For fuck's sake, No – a 1,000 times No.

Unless since he left, he has managed to learn by rote, in the manner of times tables, a few basic 'percentage outcomes'. He hasn't got one cell of a 'football brain' to bless himself with.

He's pure instinct, which is okay when it comes off, but he seems to forever zig when he should zag... Blind Pugh has more vision.

So for that reason – I'm out.

Tony A, it is a reflection on how low we have slumped, that I think Barkley would be an attractive addition.

I was as frustrated as anyone at his lack of awareness; however, we have a bunch of midfielders that all lack something. Out of all of them, only Doucouré has a nose for goal and he is lacking in both touch and passing.

Garner is improving but a little lightweight, Gana is slowing down and can't shoot, Onana is potential and merely looks impressive, Iwobi can be creative but is just as frustrating as Gray or even Barkley.

We need goals from anywhere and I think Ross could bang a few in.

Sadly Barkley does improve us as he can run with the ball and can create. There's the morality of it all and he's obviously not the same player but, if his wages are low and on a free, a 12-month contract might not be the worst. Who knows?

In other news, a few places are saying we've gone in for Antonio from West Ham. What do we think?

I think I'd rather have Barkley than Alli (unless Alli has exorcised his demons and can turn up consistently and play as he did 2nd half against Palace 15 months or so ago).

If it is a low-cost option, it surely has to be worth a punt.

That's fair enough, Eddie. Maybe Everton can sell Iwobi for around £10 million and bring in a player like Ross Barkley for free?

It's just all speculation at the minute. My first thoughts on seeing Antonio being linked with Everton was that there might just be a little swap with him and Michael Keane or maybe even with your namesake Iwobi, Alex!

Alex 69, Antonio is a beast. Surprised West Ham didn't keep him on tbh. He didn't have much of a season last year but scored regularly the years before.

If wages are reasonable I'd sign him up. He'll boss defenders and can run all day long and knows where the goal is. Certainly got the presence up front we're looking for. Think he's 33 so not a spring chicken but Young's still doing a job at 38!

Rumours Saudi also looking at him so won't be surprised if he takes the dollars as he sees out his career in the desert.

In the short term, Antonio would be great. Pace, power, a targetman and he scores goals.

The problem we have is that he would most likely want a good last payday and more than 12 months.

It is the perennial problem for an unfashionable, lower-table club that can offer little more than a season full of grunt.

In all this would we be the beggar and Barkley the chooser? Or would it be the other way round?

I'd be fairly open minded about this. He obviously never turned into the Gascoigne / Gerrard hybrid it looked like he could become - but that doesn't mean he's now useless.

He is what he is; a technically gifted player that blows hot and cold. Sadly, that means he offers something to a squad very short on attacking midfield (and central midfield) options. This will get more acute during AFCON.

Since leaving us, he's played c. 25 games per season consistently (apart from 2 seasons where I lose track - perhaps injuries?). So he's not in a Dele Alli situation - it's more that he's found his level. That level is about 20 odd games per season at a mid-table Premier League club.

For free - and presumably not extravagant wage demands - it makes a lot of sense.

Rob,

Sorry for the delay in responding,I have been in transit from Barbados. Planned to get to the Oval and watch WI v India but didn't make it, something to do with Banks lager and Mount Gay Xo I think!

Stu, I just wanted to ask you whereabouts you're staying in Barbados? Me and the missus are going over in December for the West Indies v England ODI's (3 games) and the T20 games, but we're only doing one T20 game. We stay in Antigua for one week then the second week in Barbados.

Rob,

We stayed at the Bougainvillea Beach Resort. Great location on south coast, right on the beach. Only room only, but restaurant on site and plenty of good places to eat nearby. Can get into Bridgetown on local bus easily or by taxi straight to ground.

Great location, great people, i would thoroughly recommend it.

Cheers Stu.

We're staying at the Sea Breeze Ocean Resort, also on the south coast. Coach transport to the ground, which is about 20 - 30 minutes away, is included in our package.

Both our hotels, the Pineapple in Antigua, and the Sea Breeze in Barbados, are All Inclusive. You may have seen the Sea Breeze when you were there.

Rob.

Yeah, virtually next door to where we were. Great hotel, great beach, great location.

If you can fit it in to your itinerary, Silver Moon catamaran cruise from Bridgetown is a brilliant relaxing day out, good food, and as much you can drink included.

Thanks for the recommendation, Stu. Will certainly look at that. 👍👍👍

I'd prefer Maitland Niles.
Versatile and younger.

Absolutely, Sean. It's all gone very quiet on that front. I haven't seen him linked with anybody.

I think Maitland-Niles is struggling to find a club because he's tailed off very badly in the last few years and plays like his heart is no longer in it.

Saw the tweet and thought a feeble attempt at a windup nobody would buy. Guess I was wrong.

Remember Barkley was ran out of town by some toughee who beat the crap out of him. He ain't never coming back.

Rob #79,

If you have time, you must visit Oistens Fish Fry. It's very basic but the fish is second to none. It's on the southeast of the island.

Well, as Everton are not giving us a lot to talk about and it's a long wait until Fulham, I'm wondering if Rob is taking his blue speedo's with him to Barbados and going to watch the cricket in them?

Cheers Geoff, will try and fit that in.

Danny, not an effing chance!! 🏝️🏝️🏝️

Wish I could afford Barbados.

Geoff 80, agreed Oysten’s is a must on the beautiful island of Barbados. Especially on a Friday when the local’s come out to play. Not to be missed imo.

Barkley gone to Luton on a free.

Former Chelsea and England midfielder Ross Barkley has joined Premier League new boys Luton Town on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old, capped 33 times by his country, was a free agent after leaving Ligue 1 club Nice this summer.

"Ross brings loads of experience at the top level, has international experience and brings an X-factor," Hatters boss Rob Edwards.

We missed a trick here.😀

Glad he's gone to Luton.

He might have scored a couple, but he's done.

Barkley just signed for Luton!

My post @2 worked out well!

Tony, do you do stock market forecasts?

Big shame he signed on for Luton on a free. He could've been an asset for us, not a starter but a decent back-up in the middle of the park.

We've missed out here, in my opinion.

Glad Barkley has gone to Luton; he has a smattering of ability but not the mentality to be more than a jobbing footballer.

Looking at some of the outgoings to date I'm hoping Dyche has twigged onto the overriding characteristic of this club and the thing that kills us most – being a holiday camp for pretenders. The likes of Barkley would have been a continuation of the "Butlins syndrome".

Thank gawd for that; Luton's gain is our gain.

Looks like ‘our Ross’ is off to Luton.

Wish him well but think that may be his last contract at a club in the a league.

Enjoy Luton Town FC, and save them instead if you can, which I doubt.