OFFICIAL: Chelsea confirm signing of Premier League star

Sripad
Everton v Chelsea - Premier League
Got him!

What’s the story?

Chelsea have confirmed the signing of Ross Barkley from Everton. The fee is reportedly said to be around £15 million.

Barkley has not made a single appearance for Everton this season as he is still back to full fitness following his surgery to fix a hamstring injury. His contract at Goodison Park was set to expire at the end of the season and was yet to sign a new contract.

The 23-year-old was linked with Tottenham Hotspur but The Blues accelerated their talks with him and convinced him to move to Stamford Bridge. He has signed a five and half year contract and has been given the jersey #8 – worn by Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard!

In case you didn’t know…

Chelsea had a £30 million deal agreed for him on the deadline day but the move did not materialize. Barkley did not want to join them as he was still injured and wanted to think a little more before leaving the Toffees.

The heart of the matter

Chelsea have finally got their man and that too for half the price they were set to pay in the summer. He has signed a 5 and half year contract on his move to Stamford Bridge.

On joining the Premier League champions, Barkley said: “I'm overwhelmed, I'm looking forward to it and I'm really excited to get started. To be given a fresh start at a new club like Chelsea, it's unbelievable for me. I'm looking forward to continuing where I left off at the end of last season and hoping to improve and add more goals to my game.”

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Author’s Take

The move is a brilliant one for Chelsea and Barkley but a big blow to Everton. They would have got double the fee if he had agreed to move in the summer but now have to settle for half the amount and also hunt for a replacement.

The midfielder is signed at the same age, for around the same fee and with a similar record as Chelsea legend, Frank Lampard. The Blues fans are still not convinced about the deal but they would be hoping that he could do at least 50% of what Lampard achieved at the club during his stay.

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Edited by Shambhu Ajith