Frank Lampard: What I really think about Chelsea signing Ross Barkley
The Chelsea legend is backing the west London side's decision to sign Ross Barkley in a £15m deal
Frank Lampard believes it was a “no brainer” for Chelsea to sign Ross Barkley in a £15m deal from Everton.
The England international completed a move to the defending Premier League champions on Friday following months of speculation linking the 24-year-old with a switch to the English capital.
Barkley came close to a move to Stamford Bridge last summer and passed his medical at Chelsea before the playmaker had a change of heart and opted to remain at Goodison Park for another six months.
The talented English player hasn’t featured in the Premier League this season due to a long-standing injury problem, while Everton axed Ronald Koeman and appointed Sam Allardyce as their new boss.
Barkley had less than six months on his Toffees deal and Everton have decided to cash in on their home grown talent to avoid losing him for nothing at the end of the 2017-18 Premier League season.
Former Chelsea midfielder Lampard endorsed the Blues’ decision to sign Barkley in a cut-price deal.
“It’s a no brainer for Chelsea as a club. £15m for the ability of Ross Barkley,” Lampard told BT Sport.
“I know people talk about how he hasn’t quite maybe fulfilled his potential but what you’re buying for £15m in a market where your paying £30-40m for players of less ability, I think Ross is a great buy.”
The new Chelsea signing was once talked up as England’s next big talent and earned favourable comparisons to Three Lions legend Paul Gascoigne.
However, Barkley’s career has regressed in recent seasons due to off-field controversies and distractions.
