Chelsea signed Ross Barkley for peanuts in January and then he was barely seen since. Next season he can explode on to the scene or net Chelsea a profit.
Last August, both Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur were in a race to sign Everton midfielder Ross Barkley. Barkley was injured at the time but managed to get far enough along in the process with the Blues to have a medical. But then he abruptly pulled the plug on any deal.
Fast forward to January and he decided he really did want to swap blue for blue after all. The small fee it cost Chelsea to acquire Barkley seemed like a no brainer for a home grown player with potential.
Still unfit from his injury, Chelsea were short on options. Barkley was perhaps brought back too quickly by Antonio Conte, aggravating his injury. The Englishman missed nearly the entire 2017/2018 season and was largely forgotten about as summer approached.
So now what for Barkley? Many questioned his signing in the first place but were ok with it considering how cheap he came. But missing an entire season is a major red flag. Barkley, however, can be the greatest secret in Chelsea’s toolbox this summer.
Before his injury, Barkley was having a career best season. It was largely believed that his faults were more down to the players that surrounded him than the player himself. In a better team, he was expected to excel. That is why both Chelsea and Spurs went in hard for him. The injury complicated things and only the Blues were willing to take the small financial risk.
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Now Chelsea are set to have a new manager, almost certainly one who favors a 4-3-3. Where Barkley fits into that system will be an interesting question, but if he can return to pre-injury form, he can be a vital asset for the Blues.
The most natural fit for Barkley would likely be in the midfield three. The majority of his career has been spent as an attacking mid in a 4-2-3-1. Add some more defensive responsibility and he can squeeze into the 4-3-3-‘s midfield trio. How exactly is another issue.
N’Golo Kante will not be displaced by anyone. There is also a sense that Ruben Loftus-Cheek will be given his chance. That leaves one more spot up for grabs.
Assuming the Blues do not sign anyone, Barkley is likely in contention for that other spot depending on who becomes manager. His competition will be Cesc Fabregas and Tiemoue Bakayoko. Of the three, Barkley would be the most attacking. He would also add the best goal scoring ability of all the current Chelsea midfielders.
But if Chelsea do sign someone, that is likely to push Barkley to the bench. He can still be of use to the Blues there however. Barkley seems perfect for a super sub role where he can come on with fresh legs and add more attack to the center.
If midfield does not workout, there is always the chance that Barkley resumes his right wing days from his final months at Everton. It was in that wide role that he put together his best period at Everton and it got the attention of Chelsea and Spurs. With Willian and Pedro’s futures being unknown, it would not be too far fetched to see Barkley take the right wing spot (either as a starter or super sub).
And if all else fails, and Chelsea simply cannot find a place for Barkley, he can be flipped for profit. His transfer fee was so low that the Blues are sure to make something off of him even if he leaves so soon and with little playing time.
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Barkley is often forgotten by many when they discuss Chelsea’s roster next season. But he can be a great secret to have. Whether Barkley finds a spot in midfield, wide, on the bench, or as a transfer, he is sure to help the Blues next season.