With speculation emerging linking Rangers to now-free agent Ross Barkley, it isn’t a potential transfer that immediately captures the imagination.
First of all, Barkley is a very talented footballer. He has made his reputation in the Premier League, securing 33 England caps along the way but at just 28, why is he now a free agent having only played on an irregular basis for Chelsea in recent times. He spent the 20/21 season on loan at Aston Villa but it is fair to say that his career is now at a crossroads.
His next club will need to be chosen carefully, but he is likely to have options in the Premier League as well as across Europe, in addition to the reported ‘interest’ from Ibrox.
Why would a player like Barkley, reportedly on around £200k per week at Chelsea, be wanting to sign for Rangers?
Champions League football is obviously a big incentive for any player but it doesn’t seem that there is enough for this prospective acquisition. There are shades of the likes of Aaron Ramsey but it has to be pointed out that their injury records are not comparable. Barkley simply hasn’t got the minutes on the pitch that he should have, at his age and level.
Rangers would not be breaking a wage structure to entice the former Everton man who could yet return to Goodison Park, nor can Ibrox chiefs compete with wages in England’s top flight. If Barkley is intrigued and interested in an offer from Rangers, it would have to be about regular football and winning trophies, but the jury is out.
Does he have the hunger for the unique nature of Scottish football and its limitations, would regular European football be enough.
All things considered, age, profile, fitness, England aspirations, it will be a big surprise if Barkley is wearing the royal blue of Rangers over the next few weeks.
I have to agree with your assessment. He didn’t light any fires at AstonVilla when he was two years younger. He has had no regular game time at a competitive level so will take weeks to get up to scratch. If we had got him at the beginning of the season and he showed he was fit then that would be a different proposition but right now he could have the same lazy attitude as Morelos.