Newcastle United

Newcastle United: Ross Gregory urges club to avoid Ross Barkley signing

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Image for Newcastle United: Ross Gregory urges club to avoid Ross Barkley signing

According to journalist Ross Gregory, Newcastle United should avoid going for free agent Ross Barkley before the deadline due to his inconsistency and their need for a more defensive player. 

The Magpies have made significant additions to a number of key areas this summer with Nick Pope becoming their number one, Sven Botman already starting in defence, Matt Targett arriving back on a permanent, and Alexander Isak providing competition for Callum Wilson and Chris Wood.

However, one key area they have filed to address is the midfield, despite links to both Conor Gallagher and James Maddison earlier in the window. Since they have failed to bring anyone in so far, they have now been linked with a move to Barkley, who was recently let go by Chelsea.

While a move for the free agent could make financial sense as they wouldn’t need to pay a transfer fee, Gregory believes they should steer clear of the former England international as he has been inconsistent in recent seasons.

Gregory told NUFC Matters, “I’ll say no. I think he’s not quite what Newcastle need at the minute. I think I’d rather have somebody in this squad who was a bit more defensive-minded, I think, who can sit in front of that back four a little bit more.

“[Ross] Barkley is obviously a fantastic player or has been at times. He’s very in and out, very up and down, very inconsistent. It just, there’s something with it, it just doesn’t sit right, for me. So, I wouldn’t fancy him, but I can see why a lot of people, a lot of people would”. (37:18)

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TIF Thoughts on Barkley to Newcastle…

Even though the Tyneside club would be able to get Barkley on a free and the pressure would be off in terms of expectations, his recent form in the Premier League shows he is not capable of playing at a high level anymore.

Last season he only made 14 appearances across all competitions for the Blues and bagged just one goal. he has also not played so far this season, therefore if they were to bring him in they would need to get him back up to match fitness and sharpness before he can impact the side.

It makes sense for them to bring him in for cover with the recent injury to Bruno Guimaraes, but with his lack of experience, it makes more sense for Eddie Howe to give one of their youngsters like Matty Longstaff the opportunity, rather than a 28-year-old outcast.

Should Newcastle go for Barkley?

Yes

Yes

No

No

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