Ross Barkley

[Clampy]

It's a shame because we do look a better side going forward when he is up for it and that's the problem, when he's up for it. If we didnt have the likes of Ramsey and Chukwemeka coming through and Chelsea wanted £20m, I'd consider it.

[Steve67]

Whilst I'd also not be sure about that sort of deal, what about another loan?

At £11m a season in loan fees, it would probably cheaper to buy him.  He's had three or four decent games for us, the rest have been crap.  I hope there is better value out there.

[Risso]

Yes, being charitable you could argue he's just about been worth the loan, as we've stayed up comfortably and he has played a part in that, especially earlier in the season. But it wouldn't show much long term planning with another loan for him. We need to be buying players of his ability (at his best) and developing the youngsters. Neither of which would be helped with another loan. In any case, he's just not consistent enough, and he takes far too long to come back from injury.

[in exile]

I still don't want him here.

[ChicagoLion]

I still don't want him here.

Gets my vote.

[Ads]

If he plays like he did at the weekend consistently for the rest of the season and we can get him for <£20m, then I'd buy him.

[OCD]

Yes, being charitable you could argue he's just about been worth the loan, as we've stayed up comfortably and he has played a part in that, especially earlier in the season. But it wouldn't show much long term planning with another loan for him. We need to be buying players of his ability (at his best) and developing the youngsters. Neither of which would be helped with another loan. In any case, he's just not consistent enough, and he takes far too long to come back from injury.

If we were to earmark Chukwuemeka or Aaron Ramsey for the number 10 position in future, a loan move could be seen as long-term planning.

[cdbearsfan]

Whilst I'd also not be sure about that sort of deal, what about another loan?

Just no. He has had his chance and it, mostly, hasn't worked out.

[Joe S]

It feels like the games we'll look back fondly on this season he's been one of the main catalysts in that performance. However, as mentioned countless times, those performances are way too infrequent and there must be other options in the summer.

[Damo70]

Whilst I'd also not be sure about that sort of deal, what about another loan?

Just no. He has had his chance and it, mostly, hasn't worked out.

For me he started very well but has become rather hit and miss since (and more miss than hit) I don't regret us bringing him in but he seems to be inconsistent and rather petulant so I wouldn't want us signing him
permanently.

[N'ZMAV]

this reminds me of the Carlton Cole loan. Played well at the start - then did nothing for 6 months.

[PaulWinch again]

I’d still be interested in how he finishes the season. He played well on Saturday, so I’m not writing him off yet.

[Allan C]

Yes, being charitable you could argue he's just about been worth the loan, as we've stayed up comfortably and he has played a part in that, especially earlier in the season. But it wouldn't show much long term planning with another loan for him. We need to be buying players of his ability (at his best) and developing the youngsters. Neither of which would be helped with another loan. In any case, he's just not consistent enough, and he takes far too long to come back from injury.

If we were to earmark Chukwuemeka or Aaron Ramsey for the number 10 position in future, a loan move could be seen as long-term planning.

Agree with that, clearly they’re not ready yet

[chrisw1]

If he plays like he did at the weekend consistently for the rest of the season and we can get him for <£20m, then I'd buy him.

This is my thinking too.  It's been such an odd season there may be reasons we're not aware of for his poor form since the injury / Covid break. Dean and the staff will know if this is the case and have seen him train throughout.  If they think they've seen enough to want to go get him permanently then that would be good enough for me.  What I do know is we've played our best football this season when he has been on form.

[VinnieChase84]

His best game for us this year. Noted he also covered the most KM