Whether Everton ever properly filled the gap left by Ross Barkley is still up for debate. Barkley was a dominant presence in midfield during his time at Goodison Park.
Whether Everton ever properly filled the gap left by Ross Barkley is still up for debate.
Barkley was a dominant presence in midfield during his time at Goodison Park. He had the physical tools to make an impact and was not afraid to take defenders on, often using his strength to brush them aside.
Following Barkley’s £15m move to Chelsea in January 2018, Everton went in a different direction, signing more technical midfielders like Andre Gomes, Fabian Delph, Allan, Idrissa Gueye and Tim Iroegbunam.
But now Ruben Loftus-Cheek could be the player who brings back that same presence to Everton’s midfield.
Everton’s interest in Ruben Loftus-Cheek offers a familiar midfield presence
TEAMtalk recently reported that intermediaries have offered Loftus-Cheek to Everton, as the player searches for more regular football. He has started just eight times in Serie A for AC Milan this season.
Since his £15m switch from Chelsea in June 2023, the England midfielder has settled in reasonably well. But with the World Cup approaching, he is keen to secure more consistent playing time.
One added layer to his motivation is that Thomas Tuchel – a manager Loftus-Cheek worked well with at Chelsea – now holds sway over England selection decisions.
Moyes currently lacks a physical presence like Barkley or even someone in the mould of Amadou Onana. The current options of James Garner, Iroegbunam, Gueye and Dwight McNeil are not exactly known for their physicality.
Therefore, it would make sense for Everton to pursue discussions with intermediaries and gauge how realistic a move for Loftus-Cheek could be.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s move to Villa could open the door for Everton to bring Ross Barkley back
TEAMtalk also note that Aston Villa have been offered Loftus-Cheek, and with Unai Emery missing out on Conor Gallagher – who was linked to both clubs before joining Tottenham – it is a move he may consider.
Barkley has only played seven Premier League matches at Villa Park this season, none of which were as a starter, which would push him even further down the pecking order if this happens.
Beyond that, the 32-year-old is out of contract in the summer, so this month represents Aston Villa’s last chance to cash in on the Everton academy graduate before his deal expires.
In that scenario, Everton could be presented with an opportunity to bring Barkley back to Merseyside.
Category: General Sports
