Journo claims £100k-p/w flop is "wanted" by Everton, it could be a "terrible" mistake - opinion

Frank Lampard is ready to bring a former Everton player back to the club if reports are to be believed…

That’s according to Simon Phillips, who spoke to GIVEMESPORT about the Toffees’ interest in Chelsea midfielder Ross Barkley.

He said: “Ross Barkley is wanted by Lampard, but with the history there with the club, the way Barkley left, I’m not so sure that they would want him back.”

Although Frank Lampard is reportedly a fan, and with the midfielder with only a year left on his £100k-per-week contract, there is no doubt that the polarising star could be tempted back to Goodison Park for a cut-price.

The decision to appoint Rafael Benitez was one which split the fanbase completely, devastating the club and nearly sinking them into relegation.

Although signing Barkley would likely not have this same impact, it could certainly polarise a fanbase that was torn apart during Benitez’s reign.

Not only this, but the chance that he could even be a success upon re-signing for the club is so unlikely given he has never really found any form since leaving in 2018.

Having made nearly 100 appearances for Chelsea, it can be assumed that he has been a mainstay in the side but suffered a few unfortunate injuries.

In reality, having played just 5,152 minutes, his time on the pitch per game averages out to just over 52 minutes a match, meaning he has never truly been considered a starter at the club.

With just 12 goals and 11 assists to his name during this period, many would likely dub his move to the English capital a failure. Evertonians will delight in this fact given the way he left.

Just six Premier League appearances last season, and entering the final year of his contract, Chelsea will also be delighted to see the back of this