Joey Barton Transfer: 5 Future Clubs for Disgraced QPR Midfielder

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Queens Park Rangers should sack Joey Barton. If this happens, will Premier League clubs give him another chance? Here are five teams that may take a flier on the midfielder.

Barton received a 12-game ban for elbowing Carlos Tévez and kneeing Sergio Agüero. The QPR midfielder admitted he wanted to "take one of theirs with me" when he assaulted Agüero.

Robbie Savage opined on Barton's chances of playing for QPR again (via the BBC): "Knowing Mark Hughes as I do and how he handles disciplinary problems, I'd be surprised if Joey plays for QPR again."

5. Wigan Athletic

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With the impending departure of Mohamed Diamé, Wigan Athletic should sign Rayo Vallecano's Javi Fuego as a direct replacement, and take a risk on Joey Barton.

Fuego is a beast when it comes to enforcing in midfield, whilst Barton and James McCarthy will allow the Latics to continue its philosophy of possession football.

Barton would take the place of James McArthur, who is a modest professional, but not on the same level as Barton.

Alternatively, Wigan can steer clear of Barton and persist with McArthur, Ben Watson and David Jones. Youngster Tim Chow may also get a chance.

4. Aston Villa

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Aston Villa midfielder Fabian Delph wasn't assertive enough last season. Meanwhile, Stiliyan Petrov is bravely battling acute leukaemia. If Chris Herd starts, someone creative must be paired with him. Ciaran Clark has looked good in midfield, but in the same position as Herd.

Surely Joey Barton fits the mold with his vision and ability to manipulate the ball to his team's advantage?

The No. 1 issue with Villa signing Barton is the possible stagnation of Gary Gardner's development.

Gardner was superb in the NextGen series. He scored hat trick against a much vaunted Ajax side—though they didn't have Davy Klaassen or Viktor Fischer.

3. West Bromwich Albion

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James Morrison has been West Bromwich Albion's best midfielder by a country mile.

Joey Barton would be an excellent backup given that Morrison has done his ligaments twice and pulled a hamstring.

Speaking of Morrison, not enough praise is given to him because he plays for West Brom.

He is easily a better midfielder than Aaron Ramsey, who managed to play 34 Premier League games for Arsenal this season.

2. Fulham

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What does Steve Sidwell do aside from conceding free kicks? Barton averages 2.9 tackles per game whilst also creating plays and controlling tempo.

Sidwell averages 2.7 tackles per game even though tackling is his only job.

A Joey Barton and Danny Murphy midfield duo would be good on paper.

1. Stoke City

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Stoke City would be a great fit for Joey Barton as he'll bring composure and quality to a midfield devoid of creativity.

Glenn Whelan, Dean Whitehead and Wilson Palacios are defensive minded, while Rory Delap's contributions to the team is his throw-in.

Final Comment

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What's so sad about Joey Barton is that he has talent. He has a good feel for the game, great vision and creativity in abundance.

What has let him down on and off the field is his inability to control his violent temper.

During the 2004 FA Cup fourth round, Manchester City were down 3-0 to Tottenham Hotspur, and Barton managed to accumulate two yellow cards within three minutes.

City went on to stage an unforgettable comeback to win 4-3 against Spurs.

Déjà vu all over again when Queens Park Rangers played their best football without Barton.

If Barton does get fired by QPR, he'll have to take a massive paycut at his next club.