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Everton actually wanted to sign Ross Barkley but feared fan backlash – journalist
Football journalist Paul Brown has revealed that Everton actually considered re-signing Ross Barkley from Chelsea this summer but fear of fan backlash has made them decide against it.
The 28-year-old Englishman was once viewed as one of the finest talents in the country. He was brilliant for the Toffees when he first burst onto the scene and many expected him to become a top, top player.
Barkley earned his big move to Chelsea in January 2018, and that was meant to be the transfer he needed to really reach the next level. However, having started just 56 games in over four years, it’s safe to say that things haven’t gone to plan.
Chelsea want to get rid of Barkley this summer, and Everton apparently considered a controversial reunion.
Everton fear fan backlash if they re-sign Ross Barkley
Everton fans have not forgotten the way Barkley left the club four-and-a-half years ago. That, according to Brown, is the only reason why the Toffees are reluctant to bring him back.
Speaking on , the Daily Star journalist said: “Everton definitely entertained bringing Barkley back at one point, but I think they know there’d be a massive fan backlash against that.
“At the moment, the only people pushing that are Chelsea because it’s clear that Barkley has no future there and they’re listening to offers.
“I think that is why the link has resurfaced but I don’t think Everton, right now, will make a serious move for Ross Barkley.”
Everton fans were furious with Barkley
According to , Everton fans feel Barkley cost the club a lot of money in the summer of 2017.
The Englishman, , had entered the final year of his contract five years ago. Chelsea and Tottenham both wanted to sign him and were even willing to pay a fee as high as £35 million.
Barkley apparently turned down a move that summer because he was not sold by the idea of moving to either club. He didn’t play a single game for Everton until January because of a hamstring injury, and Chelsea secured his signature for just £15 million in the winter window – £20 million less than what they were willing to pay six months prior.
The report claims that Everton fans feel he stayed injured at the club for six months just to get himself a better deal – thus costing the club a lot of money. That feeling remains to this day, and it is no surprise that the Toffees are worried about re-signing him.
