Chelsea legend Frank Lampard has backed the Blues decision to sign midfielder Ross Barkley from Everton for a fee of £15 million.
“It’s a no brainer for Chelsea as a club. £15m for the ability of Ross Barkley,” Lampard told BT Sport.
“I know people talk about how he hasn’t quite maybe fulfilled his potential but what you’re buying for £15m in a market where your paying £30-40m for players of less ability, I think Ross is a great buy.”
Chelsea completed the signing of the England international on Friday after he was linked with a move away from Goodison Park during the last few months.
The 24-year-old came close to joining Antonio Conte’s side during the summer transfer window but the move broke down at the last minute.
Barkley has yet to feature this season due to a hamstring problem and will be hoping to play as regularly as possible during the second half of the season in order to try and convince Gareth Southgate to include him in his plans for the 2018 World Cup.
Barkley had just six months remaining on his contract with Everton and the Toffees opted to sell him this month rather than risk having to lose him for free at the end of the season.