Forgotten former Chelsea star Ross Barkley makes shock Premier League return on free transfer
LUTON TOWN have announced the signing of Ross Barkley on a free transfer.
The former Everton and Chelsea midfielder was a free agent following his release from Ligue 1 side Nice.
Barkley, 29, has become the Hatters’ eighth signing of the summer following promotion from the Championship.
Upon joining the club, Barkley told club media: “Why Luton? Going from the Conference to the Premier League is a great story and for me personally to be back in the Premier League, it’s great motivation.
“I’m still relatively young and over the last couple of years I’ve not played as much as I’d have liked.
“But I’ve reserved a lot of energy and looked after myself, so it’s great to be here now as I’ve got a lot to show but I’m ready and feeling motivated.”
The club have confirmed that he will be a part of the squad for their Premier League opener against Brighton on Saturday.
Manager Rob Edwards hailed Barkley’s arrival at the club and believes that he will bring an “x-factor” to the team.
He added: “Ross brings loads of experience at the top level, has international experience and brings an x-factor.
“He gives us something different, he has that ability to make something out of nothing and we need that in the Premier League.
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“He’s got all the tools required to make a difference for us.
“It’s really exciting for the football club.
“We want the fans to be excited and they should be about Ross’ arrival.”
Last season in France Barkley scored four goals in 27 games as Nice finished ninth.
Barkley, who played 33 times for England, scoring six goals, struggled to live up to his potential after joining Chelsea from Everton for £15m in January 2018.
Injuries saw him struggle to establish himself in the side as he gradually fell down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge and out of the England reckoning.
A successful loan spell at Aston Villa during the Covid-dominated 2020/21 season raised hopes of a career revival after he scored three goals and assisted one during his 24 appearances for the Villains.
But after making only eight appearances for Chelsea the following season, he joined Nice as a free agent when his contract was terminated by the Blues.
More to follow…
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