Pete O’Rourke has claimed that Ross Barkley would be an ‘exciting signing’ for Scottish Premiership champions Celtic.
Celtic have reportedly bid for the English midfielder as Ange Postecoglou aims to end the transfer window with a flourish.
Barkley has struggled since moving to Chelsea in 2018 and has found himself out of Thomas Tuchel’s current squad at the start of the Premier League season. Given his lack of playing time, Barkley seems to be a player in need of a career lifeline – something a side like Celtic could benefit from, according to O’Rourke.
O’Rourke told GiveMeSport: “It would be an exciting signing, just because of who he is.
“He’s a top player, he’s played in the Premier League for Everton and Chelsea, although his career has stalled in the last few years, so it would be a gamble in some respects if Celtic were to sign him.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
With such little time left before the summer transfer window closes, we are yet to see a move materialise for the out-of-favour Chelsea midfielder.
However, we’d have to agree with O’Rourke when he says that Barkley would be an exciting signing for Celtic. This is a player with plenty of top-level experience in the Premier League and Champions League and is also still only 28.
As of right now, of course, a move seems unlikely to Celtic Park, but it is certainly something that the club should consider. When it comes to the price, too, the Hoops could have room to negotiate given that Barkley’s contract expires next summer – at which point he will be allowed to leave for free.
As for the player, after finding himself out of the Chelsea squad entirely, he may begin to grow desperate for a move away to get his career back on track. It is worth reiterating, however, that there is so little time left in the current window that it could be a case of now or never for a move away.