Ross Barkley has become a free agent after terminating his Chelsea contract by mutual consent.
The 28-year-old had one year remaining on his deal at Stamford Bridge but has been looking for a move away all summer after falling down the pecking order under Thomas Tuchel. The former England international spent the 2020/2021 campaign on loan at Aston Villa, but managed just 179 minutes for Chelsea in the Premier League last season - the equivalent of less than two games.
With no place in Tuchel’s plans for the upcoming season, he and new owner Todd Boehly were keen to offload the attacking midfielder but have failed to find a suitor with the window closing on Thursday. And with a reported wage of around £200,000-per-week, those in charge at Stamford Bridge have decided to pay up a year early.
