At least that’s the verdict of former England manager and Sky Sports pundit Steve McClaren, who says the move works for both parties.
Barkley completed a bargain £15m switch to Stamford Bridge on Friday after entering the final six months of his Goodison Park deal.
Some Everton fans have since taken aim at the Finch Farm academy product, suggesting he’s not good enough to play for Antonio Conte’s side.
McClaren reckons Barkley has what it takes to star at Chelsea though and he’s explained why heading to west London was the right deal to pursue.
“I think it’s a great move for Chelsea and I think it’s a great move for him,” he said on Sky Sports‘ The Debate show.
“I think sometimes when you are at your home club, you can be there too long and you have to learn the different levels of the game.
“Moving to Chelsea with Conte will bring a little bit of what he needs – discipline to be a top player – because he has the potential to be a real top player.
“I’ve [managed teams who have] played against him a couple of times and he’s been terrific and killed us on a couple of occasions.
“But he has been loose and undisciplined and he’ll get that [taken out] at Chelsea, which will take his game to a different level.”
McClaren also offered his take on where Barkley fits into Chelsea’s talent-rich midfield.
“I think the way Chelsea are playing, they are missing an attacking midfield player with [Tiemoue] Bakayoko and [Cesc] Fabregas a little bit too loose and not enough of a threat going forward,” he added.
“They didn’t have a runner who could also finish – Barkley can do that.
“I think with [N’Golo] Kante there, Fabregas and Barkley being the runner and joining in, scoring goals from midfield, they’ll be a real threat and a good midfield three.”
Barkley is currently in the final stages of rehabilitation following a serious hamstring injury and will not make his Chelsea debut against Norwich today.