Ross Barkley joins OGC Nice on a free transfer | OneFootball

Ross Barkley has signed for Ligue 1 side OGC Nice on a free transfer following his release from Chelsea, the club announced on their website.

Barkley will wear the number 11 shirt left behind by Amine Gouiri.

The 28-year-old was presented in front of the home crowd before they played against local rivals AS Monaco today.

Barkley terminated his contract with Chelsea after four-and-a-half years with the London club. The player did not fulfill the talent he promised during his younger years at Everton and left by mutual consent.

The former England international scored 12 goals and assisted 11 during his 100 appearances for Chelsea.

A loan to Aston Villa brought early talks of rejuvenation, but his form went tepid again, and he would finish his time in Birmingham with only three goals and one assist in 24 appearances.

After sticking around and not getting any sniff under Thomas Tuchel, it was time for the Englishman to leave. Chelsea released him from his contract.

Les Aiglons have now taken their chance with the free agent looking to reinforce their midfield. Barkley will provide competition for fellow free transfer Aaron Ramsey in Lucien Favre’s midfield.

Nice have struggled since the first day of the new campaign. One reason for their struggles is that they are yet to find a balanced pairing in midfield.

Their swiss coach has rotated his options, but he is yet to strike the right balance. His side has struggled to progress the ball.

Barkley will hope to push for a starting spot with positions in midfield still up for grabs.

Barkley is Nice’s 12th summer signing. The club has signed Sofiane Diop, Gaetan Laborde, Mattia Viti, Alexis Beka Beka, Rares Ilie, Marcin, Bulka, Kasper Schmeichel, Badredine Bouanani, Aaron Ramsey, Joe Bryan, and Nicolas Pepe this summer..

Despite their voluminous transfer business, Nice sit 16th on the Ligue 1 table with one win, two draws, and three losses in their opening six games.

Their only bright spark has been their qualification for the Europa Conference League group stage via a victory over Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Next up, they start their European campaign against Bundesliga side Koln. An opportunity for the INEOS-lead team to start performing. It is also an opportunity for Barkley to make his debut if he can get up to speed in time.