Ross Barkley signs for Chelsea from Everton and looks to revive his career
Premier League champions pay £15 million for Everton midfielder, whose contract was set to expire at the end of the season
England midfielder Ross Barkley joined Chelsea from Everton on Friday as he looks to fulfil his talent and revive his career.
The 24-year-old Barkley signed a five-and-a-half-year deal at the Premier League champions, with British media reporting a transfer fee of £15 million pounds (US$20.3 million) for a player whose contract was set to expire at the end of the season.
“To be given a fresh start at a new club like Chelsea, it’s unbelievable for me,” said Barkley, who has not played this season after surgery on his hamstring.
Compared by many to England great Paul Gascoigne because of his technique, build and playing style, Barkley has been attached to Everton since the age of 11 and went to the 2014 World Cup and 2016 European Championship with his country.
But he has not developed as many would have hoped at the Merseyside club, with former coach Ronald Koeman scathing at times last season about the midfielder’s failure to make the next step in his career. He also struggled under the weight of expectation of Everton fans at Goodison Park.
