da dobrowin：
da bet esporte： Newcastle United’s decision to place Joey Barton on the transfer list has plunged the club into fresh turmoil but for the rest of the Premier League, Barton’s availability on a free transfer is a potential bargain.
Barton’s decision to follow teammate Jose Enrique’s lead and criticise the club’s owners on Twitter enraged the bosses at St James’ Park so much that the midfielder has been made available on a free transfer even though he has a year left on his current deal.
If Barton does leave, would Newcastle’s Premier League rivals be getting a good deal by snapping up the 28-year-old on a free? Barton will always come with a warning for managers after a career more notable for his bad behaviour than his achievements on the pitch. Barton’s reputation means any move he makes would be greeted by some caution from fans but if he could replicate his form for Newcastle last season, every top tier manager should be looking at Barton this summer.
Since joining from Manchester City in June 2007, Barton has made 79 league appearances for the club. Last season was his most productive in the famous black and white stripes when Barton made a total of 35 appearances in all competitions, scoring five goals and making nine assists. His performances in Newcastle’s midfield earned him rave reviews and it was his combative and productive displays in games like the 4-4 draw with Arsenal (where he scored twice) that make him so in demand.
Interestingly Arsenal are one of many clubs linked with the player since the news of his Newcastle exit was announced. Others include Tottenham, Aston Villa and Stoke with a few other European clubs reportedly sniffing around the midfielder. But what would these clubs be getting if they decided to try and sign Barton?
Most importantly on the pitch they would be investing in a leader, whether you like Barton or not, he is an effective combative performer in the Premier League and has shown he can create and score goals as well. For a club like Arsenal he would add that much needed steel in their midfield and last season showed that under the right guidance, Barton can finally let his football do the talking. The fact that he is available on a free means that clubs with a limited budget would only have any wage demands as a potential stumbling block.
Unfortunately Barton comes with baggage and whilst Newcastle’s decision to let their best player leave on a free is bemusing, his decision to criticise his employers on Twitter highlights the unpredictable side to Barton. Off the pitch he has faced time in jail and been in altercations with fellow teammates whilst on the pitch Barton’s behavior has lead to FA charges and red cards.
Despite his bad boy persona and troubled history, every Premier League manager should take the time to consider signing one of the league’s best performers last season on a free. But managers beware, despite his undoubted talents on the pitch, signing Joey Barton will always be a risk.
Would Barton be a good signing for another Premier League team? If you want to read more of my bite size, 140 character views and thoughts follow me on Twitter @jennyk5
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