Luton Town surprise fans with the signing of Ross Barkley as he reveals the decision to move to the Premier League newcomers.
The 29 year old spent last season out in France with Nice but the ex-Chelsea midfielder now returns to the top flight as he joins the Hatters.
The transfer is subject to international clearance and comes in time for his new club’s opener at Brighton, and fair to say it’s getting plenty of talk online…
We are delighted to announce the signing of @RBarkley8! ✍️#COYH
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) August 9, 2023
Welcome to the Hatters, @RBarkley8! ✍️#COYH pic.twitter.com/vKwztBzuBG
— Luton Town FC (@LutonTown) August 9, 2023
CLUB STATEMENT:
England international midfielder Ross Barkley has signed for Luton Town Football Club.
Barkley, who has graced the top-flight over 200 times has become the latest summer addition to Rob Edwards’ squad to take on the Premier League.
The proud owner of 33 England caps, a man who played at the 2014 World Cup, he burst onto the Premier League scene aged 17, he was once transferred for £15 million and is still, can you believe, just 29 years of age.about:blank
Ross joins the Town on a free transfer – subject to international clearance (he was starring for Nice in the Ligue 1 in France last season) – in time for our top-flight return at Brighton and Hove Albion on Saturday. He will wear squad number six.
The former Everton and Chelsea man said: “Why Luton? Going from the Conference to the Premier League is a great story and for me personally to be back in the Premier League, it’s great motivation.
“I’m still relatively young and over the last couple of years I’ve not played as much as I’d have liked.
“But I’ve reserved a lot of energy and looked after myself, so it’s great to be here now as I’ve got a lot to show but I’m ready and feeling motivated.”
Manager Rob Edwards said: “Ross brings loads of experience at the top level, has international experience and brings an x-factor.
“He gives us something different, he has that ability to make something out of nothing and we need that in the Premier League. He’s got all the tools required to make a difference for us.
“It’s really exciting for the football club. We want the fans to be excited and they should be about Ross’ arrival.”
Please join us in welcoming our newest addition to the squad, Ross Barkley.
The 29-year-old said: “You know, the story of the club coming from the Conference all the way through to the Premier League, it’s a great story and for me, personally, being back in the Premier League as well was a great motivation of mine to come to the club. And after speaking to the manager, Rob, we spoke highly of the club and his ambitions for the season and how well the squad works together as a unit and the goals that he has for the season ahead. And he spoke highly of me and how he wants to integrate me into the team. So, yeah, it’s just a great opportunity for me to come ands how what I can do and help the club the best way I can and finish as high as possible in the table. First year in the Premier League, what a story it is.
“I’ve been told it by Rob, Gary Sweet, obviously, and I know Marvellous really well as well, and he spoke highly of the club. And it’s a great opportunity for me, like I say, mixing with this squad coming through each league and now being in the Premier League and now with the players having no fears and approaching every game with the mentality to win.And it’s going to be a great season.
“There’s a lot of differences in France. There’s a lot of talented players that a lot of the other leagues feed off. And I learnt a lot over there really. Over there, you get a little bit more time on the ball, it’s a little bit more off the cuff. In the Premier League, it’s got a bit of every league into one, and I do prefer that. The fast play, the end to end play, exciting play, goals any team can win. So I’m happy to be back, but I did learn a lot whilst I was away in France and being back in the Premier League.
“Yeah, it means everything. I’ve been playing in the Premier League since I was 17, so to get the opportunity to come back and with a team with a lot of ambition, it’s great for me and I’m over the moon to be here.
“I’m still relatively young, and over the last couple of years, I haven’t really played as much as I would have liked. So I feel like I’ve reserved a lot of energy, looked after myself, and I’m grateful to be here now. And I’ve got a lot to show for it now to come through this season. Excited. Feeling ready and motivated. Yeah, feeling fit and ready to go. Obviously need a couple of games to get up to speed, but I feel in great shape and I’ve got a lot of targets to hit for myself, to show the fans and that I’m ready to put on a show.
“I experienced the fans in the FA Cup for Chelsea. I was on the bench that game, but I’ve seen how great the fans are and how passionate they are, so I can imagine the away support as well as the home support to be brilliant this season. So I’m looking forward to playing in front of them. And with the first game of the season against Brighton, I’m sure they’re going to be there to put on a display, the players and the fans, obviously against a great team Brighton now, but I’m sure the team will be offered it and ready.”
As mentioned, Luton surprise fans with the signing of Ross Barkley as he reveals decision to move…
@Lu3Beatz: Decent! 27 appearances last season for French club Nice contributing with 4 goals, feels like Ross has been around for years and still only 30. Impressive 🧡🙌🏼🫡
@B31villa: For a few games for us he was excellent especially with Grealish but then faded away. Good luck to him.
@andyhawkington: Where did that come from?!
@andyhawkington: Fits our type. Wants an arm around him and a home. Welcome to the family
@Andy_Peacock: Whaaaaaaaat!!!! Let’s gooo
@mallyslife_: Barkley to Luton could be a stroke of genius, or a flop like Lingard, worth a gamble as far as I am concerned #LTFC #NFFC
@danlukeashby: This signing has come from nowhere not seen any rumours love to see it. Barkley offers something Luton don’t have the ability to win a game in a moment. His experience at Premier league level will also be massive for us. #LTFC #COYH
@ltfckieren: I am one big fan of this. And when people say, ‘trust the board’ etc. this is why. None of you, including me knew this was coming. They know what they are doing. We are staying up. Ross Barkley, still only 29 as well. Played over 150+ times in the Prem. Played in Ligue 1. Still got plenty of years left in the tank. We know how good Luton are at getting the best out of players. A fully fit, and on form Ross Barkley will be a dangerous player for us. #LTFC
@purelyLutonTown: Keep the surprises coming please
@JM11_GEE: Welcome to The Hatters 🧡. I predict your first 90mins and goal at Stamford Bridge on Aug 25th 🙏
@danny_ltfc: still speechless
@RobbAllinn3: Of all the random signings happening in this transfer window, Ross Barkley signing for Luton is the weirdest signing this year #transfer
@GFD1967: Nice one Luton. Welcome to the Hatters Ross.
@AdamFountain14: Well colour me fucking surprised. Round of applause for the club keeping this hush hush. Boys got talent no doubt about it, if he stays fit and gets back to his “best”. Will be a helllllllluvaaaa signing.
@NytroLTFC: How on earth have we kept this one quiet? No reports of rumours we were looking at him at all and suddenly he’s a Luton player. Unreal. Get him back to anything like he was at Everton and we’ve got a player and a half here. So excited for Saturday now!
@RMLENG_: Good signing to be fair
@CharlieKilham: Completely forgot about this guy
@oliver_magill24: Excellent signing, bit of experience for the prem
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