Former QPR and Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton has sent out a criticism of Premier League clubs for failing to sign him even on a free transfer.
The midfielder recently completed a free transfer move to Burnley, who play in the Championship. He was seen as one of the attractive players available on the Bosman transfer market. He had left QPR after several years at the club. His departure was almost confirmed when the club was relegated to the Championship. The huge contract that Barton was earning at Loftus Road was one of the reasons.
After being in negotiations with several Premier League clubs like West Ham over the last few weeks, Barton has been only able to secure a move to a Championship team. This appears to have been a major source of disappointment for the player. Burnley are hoping to return to the Premier League but they will be aware that it is one of the difficult aspects in the Championship right now with a lot of money flowing into clubs like Leeds United and Wolves. At 33 years of age, many clubs may have felt sceptical about the ability of Barton to continue playing at the top level, but the midfielder with chequered history says that he is still fit enough.
“I felt I did well enough last year in a side that was struggling to earn another crack at that league.My playing ability is good enough to cope in that league. But people then start worrying about the baggage and how I’ll contribute to the group or how I’ll react if I’m not playing, which is lazy on their behalf.If you’re a Premier League club and you had the opportunity to take me on a free transfer, I think it’s a no-brainer. If you’re anyone from 10th down, it’s a no-brainer,” said Barton.