Ross Barkley has today completed a £15 million switch to Stamford Bridge to finally put an end to speculation regarding his future.
The 24-year-old came through the youth system at Everton, joining the club back in 2005.
The club stuck by the Wavertree-born midfielder through two severe leg breaks early in his career.
A boyhood Evertonian, Barkley made his debut for the Toffees against Queens Park Rangers in 2011 and went on to make 179 appearances for the club, scoring 27 times.
Capped by England on 22 occasions, Barkley joins Antonio Conte’s reigning Champions on a long term contract.
Conte said: “For sure we’re talking about a young player, an English player. He can have good prospects for Chelsea.
“I think the club decided on this investment also for his contract, I think it is a good opportunity for the club to buy this player.“
The deal leaves Everton with a sour taste in their mouth and wondering what could’ve been, with Chelsea reportedly offering a staggering £35 million in the summer, but Barkley instead chose to stick around and run his contract down to its final six months.
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