Newcastle United have this afternoon placed Joey Barton on the transfer list. Following the playerβs criticism of the club on his twitter account yesterday, managing director Derek Llambias has met with owner Mike Ashley and the pair have subsequently moved quickly to address the matter. Barton is allowed to leave the club on a free transfer.
Barton was a proven Fantasy performer last season, with his set-piece delivery a key factor in the clubβs successful season back in the Premier League. Despite his renowned reputation, Barton seems to have settled of late and his hint of unrest behind the scenes follow those of team mate Jose Enrique. With Kevin Nolan also leaving St James Park this summer, Alan Pardew looks set to lose another of his consistent performers. In terms of Newcastle set-piece takers, it’s worth noting that both Yohan Cabaye and Sylvain Marveaux have had their fair share already this pre-season and perhaps offers a pointer as to who Pardew will opt for in light of Barton’s departure.
At 28 years old, Barton still has plenty in his locker and Fantasy managers will be hoping for a mid-table move that guarantees starts. Priced at just 6.0 in Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Barton should still prove great value for money with his free-kicks and corners always reliable to garner points- he picked up 4 goals and 9 assists last season.
Barton had earlier in the day stated he will comment on the situation at Newcastle via his twitter stream at 4pm this afternoonβ¦.
