Everton are reportedly keen on signing Ross Barkley on loan from Chelsea for the remainder of the season, as Rafael Benitez plots his moves in the January transfer window.
The English midfielder, 28, moved to Chelsea from Everton in January 2018 in a bid to take the next big step in his career and reach the next level of his development. However, things haven’t gone according to the plan for the 28-year-old, who has made just five Premier League appearances for the Blues so far this season.
According to The Telegraph, Everton are keen to sign Ross Barkley in order to boost Rafael Benitez’s options in the middle of the park. Chelsea would consider allowing the attacking midfielder to return to Goodison Park on loan if Thomas Tuchel feels he has enough depth in his squad, the report adds.
Barkley spent last season on loan at Aston Villa, but after a bright start he faded and the Lions didn’t turn the move into a permanent deal. And the Englishman has been on the fringes at Chelsea since returning from a failed loan spell with Aston Villa.
Ross Barkley to Everton—Should Rafael Benitez make a move?
Everton are in a wretched run of form, winning just once in their last twelve league games. Rafael Benitez is under immense pressure but he is expected to be given more time to turn things around at the club.
The January transfer window couldn’t come at a perfect time for Benitez, whose squad has struggled with injuries, especially to key players like Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Abdoulaye Doucoure. That being said, the Toffees boss must improve his squad by making a couple of additions and signing a creative midfielder has to be at the top of the agenda. Ross Barkley, in that regard, would be a good fit at Goodison Park.
Ross Barkley came through Everton’s academy before making his senior debut for the club in 2011, playing 150 times in the Premier League. So, he knows the club in and out and that should potentially help him quickly settle down at Goodison Park.
The 28-year-old thrives in the no.10 role behind the main striker as he is capable of running hard yards with the ball and finding spaces in the final third. He is a smart, technical player who can create opportunities for his teammates, link play and score goals.
A versatile midfielder with a keen eye for goal, the Englishman’s inclusion would do very well for Everton, which at the moment, is struggling for creativity and goals. All in all, Benitez’s Toffees can benefit from acquiring a player of Barkley’s skill-set on loan for the rest of the season.