Ross Barkley joins Nice on free transfer

Ligue 1 side Nice have signed Ross Barkley on a free transfer after his exit from Chelsea.

The former Everton star had his contract at Stamford Bridge ripped up during the final few days of the summer transfer window but has already found a new home in France.

Barkley was introduced to his new club’s supporters during their league clash with Monaco on Sunday night. He is the latest recruit with Premier League experience to have signed for Nice this summer.

Wales international Aaron Ramsey signed after bringing his injury-riddled spell with Juventus to an end, while Nicolas Pepe has also joined on loan from Arsenal. Goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel was brought in earlier this summer, with Brentford’s Mads Bech Sorensen and Fulham’s Joe Bryan also joining on temporary deals.

Barkley joined Chelsea in 2018 but could never hold down a regular starting XI place and left having made only six appearances last season. He had spent the 2020/21 on loan with Aston Villa, where he scored three league goals.