Before quoting George Orwell and George Washington, Joey Barton was perhaps better known for rather less cerebral things. Now Newcastle United have lost patience with one of football’s most controversial characters, despite him having arguably his best season on the pitch last year.
Available on a free transfer, where could he end up – and please nobody say ‘jail’ ?
Arsenal
Joey Barton’s agent claims if the star had been at Arsenal, they would have won the league. A bold statement for sure, but it’s clear the Gooners need ‘bite’ in their midfield, which Barton would provide. Question marks would remain over the troublesome star’s influence on the likes of Jack Wilshere, but Barton seems to be a reformed character these days. Available on a free, surely not even the frugal Arsene Wenger would balk at that price ?
Tottenham
Spurs are already believed to be one of the clubs to have enquired about Barton’s availability.
Everyone knows Harry Redknapp can’t resist a bargain, and Joey Barton on a free will be too tempting to resist. The possibility of working with the strongly tipped next England manager will also appeal to Barton’s lofty ambitions.
Barton performed best last season delivering crosses to Andy Carroll. Could he replicate that with Tottenham beanpole Peter Crouch (if Crouch himself, of course, retains his position in the squad) ?
Chelsea
Chelsea have been uncharacteristically quiet this transfer window, save for those few unsuccessful bids for Luka Modric. What that does indicate is that the Blues are after another central midfielder.
Barton would love the chance to compete for trophies and play in the Champions League, and would move there like a shot. And with Lampard likely to be rotated more and more, Barton could be an ideal replacement.
Imagine a dressing room with John Terry, Didier Drogba and Joey Barton – what could go wrong ?
Manchester United
As far as United fans are concerned, this is one transfer rumour which just will not go away. A reds fan website recently revealed the majority of fans would rather sign ‘nobody’ than Bart
From a footballing point of view, however, a midfielder of Barton’s talents available on a free transfer makes perfect sense, especially with central midfield United’s weak point, and Darren Fletcher currently missing in action.
Barton’s fiery past may be one thing, but his Manchester City connections probably make this deal the most unlikely of the lot.
Everton
What is going on at Everton ? No money, no transfer speculation – it looks like another season of ‘status quo’ for the Toffees.
But David Moyes is a shrewd manager, and will have spent the best part of his summer on the hunt for basement bargains – well Barton is one, and such a good deal may prove irresistible even to the club’s hard-up board.
Sure, it would be a risk, but if any manager can keep Barton on the straight and narrow, its surely David Moyes.
image: © MT Hietala
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