Joey Barton next club: Clubs prepare to sign returning midfielder after ban

On June 1st 2018 Joey Barton’s ban from football will come to an end, with the former Manchester City, Burnley, QPR and Rangers midfielder looking likely to make a return in the summer transfer window. Having been out of the game for quite some time, it’s likely the 35-year old will drop down to a lower division to get his career back on track. We look at the Joey Barton next club odds according to bookmaker BetVictor.

The last time Barton was on the field of play was last year for Burnley, helping them to maintain their Premier League status - but a return the Clarets is very unlikely with odds of 16/1 (17.0). Sean Dyche’s side have performed above all expectations this season as the Lancashire side look to finish up with a European spot in the final few games.

The favourites, interestingly are Championship side Derby County with odds of 8/1 (9.00). The Rams are on a bit of a mixed run of results and are now fighting for their spot in the playoff picture having once looked like automatic promotion contenders. Should they get promoted to the top flight a player of Barton’s influence and experience would surely be appealing to the East Midland’s side, while on the flip side if they remain a Championship club he would likely find himself a regular in and amongst the first 11.

Steve Bruce might fancy a go at signing Barton for Aston Villa for similar reasons to that of Derby, albeit a little further back in the market at 10/1 (11.0). Cardiff City too, under another veteran of the game Neil Warnock, would likely be interested in Joey Barton - preferably ruffling a few feathers for the Bluebirds back in the Premier League.

Everton at 16/1 (17.0) and surprisingly Celtic at 20/1 (21.0) are some of the big name suitors apparently in the mix according to the bookmaker. With Barton an Evertonian it’s easy to see why he would be linked, but it’s doubtful the club owners would see a move for the 35-year old as they forward step they need to challenge the top sides. While Celtic would be the shock of shocks, especially after some of Barton’s comments during his time at arch-rival’s Rangers back in 2016.

Probability of Joey Barton's next club