---
title: "Southampton: Saints ‘leading the chase’ for Ross Barkley"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-saints-leading-the-chase-for-ross-barkley/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Emilio Galantini"
section: "Southampton News"
published: "2022-09-01T13:15:18Z"
modified: "2022-09-01T13:15:18Z"
---

# Southampton: Saints ‘leading the chase’ for Ross Barkley

**[Southampton](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/southampton-fc-news/) are ‘exploring a deal’ to sign free agent midfielder Ross Barkley after his release from Chelsea, according to reports.**

### The Lowdown: Saints keep busy..

The Saints, looking to back manager Ralph Hasenhuttl, have completed a plethora of signings and reports suggest they’re on the look out for even more incomings.

Marseille defender Duje Caleta-Car has been linked today with claims emerging that more names could join Gavin Bazunu, Sékou Mara, Roméo Lavia, Armel Bella-Kotchap, Joe Aribo and Mateusz Lis as new Southampton players.

Hasenhuttl’s side will be looking to avoid [Premier League](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/premier-league-news/) relegation, and ahead of a congested fixture calendar, they will need all of the bodies they can get before today’s deadline.

### The Latest: Southampton in pole…

According to [The Daily Mail,](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-11169071/Southampton-interested-signing-free-agent-Ross-Barkley.html) there has been a St. Mary’s transfer development involving former Everton and Aston Villa star Barkley.

Following his Chelsea release, it is believed the Saints and Hasenhuttl are now ‘exploring a deal’ to sign the playmaker – even ‘leading the chase’ for his signature as they enter pole position.

Southampton are allegedly looking at a move for Barkley alongside other clubs with Hasenhuttl personally eager to add a new midfielder to his ranks.

### The Verdict: Make a move…

Despite his lack of game time, Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel has held praise for Barkley this year, calling him ‘[quality](https://www.si.com/soccer/chelsea/news/thomas-tuchel-heaps-praise-on-chelseas-ross-barkley-after-showing-his-quality-vs-watford)‘, meanwhile former Leeds striker Noel Whelan claims he ‘[can be unplayable at times’.](https://www.footballinsider247.com/everton-told-to-complete-huge-ross-barkley-signing-as-proposal-made-pundit/)

Indeed, he was impressing during his temporary spell at Villa Park, [averaging](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/92547/History/Ross-Barkley) 1.6 shots, 1.6 key passes and 1.2 take-ons per game.

Given he would come on a free deal, the move would pose little financial risks and the 28-year-old also possesses plenty of top level experience.