Official: Chelsea announce the signing of Ross Barkley on five-and-a-half-year deal

Chelsea have completed the signing of England international Ross Barkley from Everton on a five-and-a-half-year.

Barkley was on the verge of becoming a Chelsea player in the summer transfer window. The England international even underwent a medical ahead of his switch to Stamford Bridge, but pulled out of the move at the last minute.

Understandably, the 24-year-old wanted more time to consider his options, especially seeing as he would not have been fit to feature for his new club until the turn of the year. He remained with the Toffees undergoing treatment on his hamstring injury.

Chelsea have now (finally) got the Barkley deal over the line, and it could prove to be an astute acquisition. He had just six months remaining on his deal with the Toffees and thus you would assume that the transfer fee is virtually peanuts in the modern market.

Barkley will wear the number eight shirt, formerly worn by Chelsea legend Frank Lampard and Oscar.

Here’s what Barkley had to say on his move the Premier League champions during his first interview with the club’s website:

“I’m overwhelmed, I’m looking forward to it and I’m really excited to get started.”

“To be given a fresh start at a new club like Chelsea, it’s unbelievable for me. I’m looking forward to continuing where I left off at the end of last season and hoping to improve and add more goals to my game.”