Joey Barton Transfer Rumors: 5 Possible Clubs for the Unattached Midfielder

Joey Barton ended his four-year affair with Newcastle United in an unceremonious fashion.  

The Toon Army, who stood by Barton during his legal troubles, had enough after he lambasted owner Mike Ashley and the board via Twitter.

Barton’s reaction left everyone dumbfounded since he had seemed to put his troubles behind him and appeared happy in his black and white uniform.

Now that he’s available there plenty of clubs that are willing to look past his troublesome personality and snap up his talent.  

Here are the five clubs that are most likely to land this troublesome but gifted 28-year-old.

 

Arsenal

Arsenal’s need for a defensive midfielder has simmered down, but so has their intention of signing basically anyone for the upcoming season. 

Nonetheless, Barton would fit in well at Arsenal. 

His attitude, notoriety and feisty attitude suit the Gunners' style of play perfectly. 

He would also be an excellent choice to partner Alexander Song or be an ideal replacement for Cesc Fabregas.  

Barton would bring experience to a young team and could teach Jack Wilshere a thing or two (minus the attitude, of course).

Arsene Wenger should pounce on his signature ASAP as he fits the Frenchman’s bill perfectly, absolutely free of charge. 

Manchester United

Why spend £35 million for Wesley Sneijder when you can have another player with the same talent for free? 

Barton may lack the vision to find the perfect pass from 40 yards, but other than that he possesses traits similar to those of the Dutchman.

He can drive forward to support an attack, which suits the Devils' counter-attacking style. 

Barton can also sit in front of the back four and protect the defense, giving Darren Fletcher or Michael Carrick the opportunity to push forward when necessary.

He is an amazing set-piece taker, something which is of diamond value to United since not many of their current players can make plays happen from a dead ball.

If Alex Ferguson signs him, Barton certainly won’t be the first troublesome character he's managed.

Look how Eric Cantona turned out. 

So go ahead Fergie, get your bargain of the season and rack em’ trophies even higher. 

Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs have quality in all departments—except a solid holding midfielder.  

Wilson Palacios is injury prone and inconsistent and Tom Huddlestone has the tendency to shoot into the stands more than tackle. 

Harry Redknapp needs someone who can support the midfield as well as cover the defense if needed. 

Joey Barton is just the man to do it.

He will form a perfect midfield dynamo alongside Luka Modric—assuming the Croatian sticks around.

Barton can break up opponents' attacks and feed Modric the ball to work his magic.

Fullback Gareth Bale loves galloping forward, but gets caught out in defense more often than not. Barton can solve the crisis by doubling up as a left back and leave Bale on top to finish off the attack.

Even if Modric leaves, Redknapp still has the option of placing Niko Kranjcar in front of Barton and ending up £30 million richer.

The question is, will Barton sacrifice a possible Champions League place for the less coveted Europa League?

 

Everton

Everton may be the most endearing club in the EPL, but they are also one of the poorest. 

David Moyes has worked his magic time and again with the limited squad and resources he has at his disposal. Everton can’t afford a single player without selling first and anyone they would sell is already a big star at the club. 

If Barton is interested in coming to the ‘People’s Club’ then Moyes has the liberty to sell either Jack Rodwell or Maroune Fellaini and recoup some cash. 

He could then use that money to invest in an attacking player to support Barton and Arteta. 

Joey Barton wouldn't fancy his chances with a cash strapped club, but Everton would surprise everyone with him in the squad.

If he knows the true potential of the Toffees, Everton could be the best footballing decision he ever made. 

Aston Villa

Aston Villa is a similar club to Everton—only slightly more loaded. 

Aston Villa has missed a combative midfielder since Gareth Barry left for Manchester City. 

Stiliyan Petrov is a more attacking minded player and injuries have taken a toll on him in recent seasons. 

Joey Barton could indeed be the spark Villa needs to compete at the top of the league. He has the capability to support the darting runs of new signing Charles N’ Zogbia or thread the perfect pass to Darren Bent, who always plays off the last man’s shoulder. 

He may miss the chance to play in Europe, but if he comes to Aston Villa a starting spot on the lineup is guaranteed. 

This may be his perfect opportunity to start a revolution in a transforming club and kick-start his England career.