When Everton's Ross Barkley’s contract extension talks broke down towards the end of last season it was expected that a host of Premier League clubs would quickly swoop. So far interest has been slow to take off, but reports suggest the English international midfielder could be looking overseas; so of course What Are The Odds looks at where Barkley could be playing next.
Out of nowhere it appears that the 23-year old Liverpudlian could be heading to AC Milan, with Sky Bet giving the Italian giants the edge in the betting market with odds of 9/4 (3.25). The move would certainly be a notable boost to British talent plying their trade overseas and it would seem there’s foundation to the move with Milan’s owners looking to rebuild and invest heavily in new playing personnel.
Tottenham are next in-line and are still expected to move for Barkley at some point in this window, but that could be sooner if AC Milan force their hand. Everton would ideally want a bidding war for the young midfielder who they value at £50m, so it may just be a matter of time until the Toffees get their way. However, right now Spurs are valued at 5/1 (6.00), somewhat lengthy odds that suggest it’s still a way off being a ‘done deal’. Another issue for the player is that the Spurs midfield is already pretty loaded and playing time may ultimately be a concern for Barkley should he move.
Two other London clubs are also in for Barkley according to the bookmaker, Chelsea at 7/1 (8.00) and West Ham at 14/1 (15.0). Conte’s side are an interesting outside bet, especially so if Eden Hazard makes a late transfer move, leaving a hole in their midfield for a new acquisition e.g. Ross Barkley. A report in the Metro suggests that Antonio Conte is keeping tabs on the player but it would seem that right now it’s nothing more than very far out there speculation.
West Ham are possibly the option if no one else moves and the Hammers ultimately pick the bones so the Toffees can cash in before the player’s contract runs down next summer.
There’s still the option that Ross Barkley can still stay at Goodison Park and Sky Bet still gives pretty short odds of 1/1 (2.00) on that happening. If he were to stay it would likely to have to be on the condition he signs a deal that would ensure Everton are able to cash in correctly in the future instead of losing him for little to no money.
Probability of Ross Barkley's next club
| Next Club | Ross Barkley Transfer Odds | Probability | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AC Milan | 9/4 | 30.77% | |
| Tottenham | 5/1 | 16.67% | |
| Chelsea | 7/1 | 12.50% | |
| West Ham | 14/1 | 6.67% | |
| Arsenal | 16/1 | 5.88% | |
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