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Former Chelsea midfielder returns to Premier League in surprise move

By Evan Curnew

Ross Barkley (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images)
Ross Barkley (Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by GLYN KIRK/AFP via Getty Images) /
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The free agent list is dwindling down, and for Premier League sides, there aren’t a lot of appetizing names to choose from. One name that was likely to have links to a move back to England was midfielder Ross Barkley. The former Everton and Chelsea midfielder was a free agent after he left Nice in France after just a single season. He’s now returning to the Premier League with a deal already signed.

Former Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley joins promoted Luton Town

Luton Town have announced that they’ve signed Ross Barkley. It’s unknown how long the deal is, but the signing comes as a bit of a surprise. The expectation is that Barkley will be ready to face Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday, and the 29-year-old has been given the number six shirt.

Barkley has provided some commentary as to his decision via the club website.

"“Why Luton? Going from the Conference to the Premier League is a great story and for me personally to be back in the Premier League, it’s great motivation”."

Luton Town manager Rob Edwards spoke about the signing for the club as well.

"“Ross brings loads of experience at the top level, has international experience and brings an x-factor. He gives us something different, he has that ability to make something out of nothing and we need that in the Premier League. He’s got all the tools required to make a difference for us”."

Ross Barkley recorded four goals last season in Ligue 1 with Nice, after having his contract mutually terminated last summer with Chelsea. In what was seen as a controversial move at the time, Barkley joined Chelsea in 2018, ending an eight-year stay at Everton. Barkley’s move to Chelsea never worked out for either party, as he struggled to stay fit and earn playing time. He had a loan move to Aston Villa during the 20-21 season in what was his last Premier League season where he was a regular contributor. Luton Town will be hoping he will be a leader in their midfield and help them survive relegation.

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