Alan Myers shares seven-word reply when asked about Ross Barkley return to Everton
Sky Sports journalist Alan Myers has reported that, as far as he is aware, there is no move for former Everton star Ross Barkley to rejoin his boyhood club.
Replying on Twitter on Tuesday (11 July) after being asked by a fan, Myers admitted he had no information on Barkey’s potential return with the midfielder currently a free agent after leaving Ligue 1 side Nice in June.
Barkley began his career at Everton, making 150 league appearances for the Toffees before his move to Chelsea derailed his promising career.
Mutual resurgence?
Both Barkley and Everton are trying to reach their former heights.
After he left Everton in 2018, Barkley has struggled to settle into any club and has never nailed down a starting spot. Chelsea saw him as surplus to requirements and loaned him to Aston Villa, before leaving by mutual consent and joining Nice.
Everton, since Barkley’s departure, has seen themselves slowly fall down the Premier League table after a merry-go-round of managers including Frank Lampard, Carlo Ancelotti and Rafa Benitez.
Barkley was a standout for Everton during his time at the club, earning himself 33 England call-ups and 21 goals, so perhaps his boyhood side is the ideal place to kick-start his career.
He may be slightly past his prime, but the 29-year-old would be able to provide three good seasons for Everton, who look set to sign 38-year-old Ashley Young [Fabrizio Romano].
Barkley’s time at Nice was quite impressive too, with the midfielder scoring four goals and claiming two in the French top-flight.
He also finds himself in the 99th percentile for non-penalty goals (0.38) and total shots (3.56) per 90 [FBRef], while his 2.81 progressive carries (90th percentile) show him to be an excellent and influential midfield player.
With stats like that, Barkley could really have an impact on an Everton side that will look to vastly improve on their 17th-place finish.