Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Ross Barkley has joined Chelsea for a deal in the region of £15m, signing a five-year contract at Stamford Bridge.
The Everton midfielder came close to moving south in the summer transfer window but pulled out of a deal to focus on his recovery from injury. Barkley, 24, hasn’t played a minute of football for his boyhood club this season and his contract was due to expire in six months’ time, meaning he could have left on a Bosman.
But Chelsea were happy to pay to secure his services in January, with Antonio Conte enthused by Barkley’s potential.
The England international burst onto the scene as a teenager but his progress somewhat stalled under Ronald Koeman and the writing has been on the wall for him since he turned down a big-money contract offer from the Goodison Park club to remain on Merseyside.
New Everton manager Sam Allardyce has long been resigned to the playmaker’s departure and Tottenham were expected to rival Chelsea for Barkley.
But Spurs were not willing to go close to what Barkley will be paid at Stamford Bridge and the deal has been finalised, placating frustrated Blues boss Conte by adding depth to his squad ahead of an assault on the Champions League in 2018.
“I’m overwhelmed, I’m looking forward to it and I’m really excited to get started,” Barkley said. “To be given a fresh start at a new club like Chelsea, it’s unbelievable for me. I’m looking forward to continuing where I left off at the end of last season and hoping to improve and add more goals to my game.”
The Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia added: ‘Ross is a player we have long admired and are certain he will prove to be an important player for Chelsea.
“He possesses outstanding technical and physical attributes, matched with good experience of the Premier League and a strong desire to succeed at the highest level. We welcome him to the club and look forward to seeing him in action.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments