Any doubts about Ross Barkley’s Everton future were basically laid to rest ahead of the Europa League qualifier when Ronald Koeman confirmed he ‘100%’ expected him to leave Goodison Park.
Having turned down the offer of a new deal Koeman revealed Barkley had informed him he wanted a new challenge away from the club.
‘Ross told me at the end of the season he wanted another challenge,’ Koeman was quoted by the BBC.
Adding: ‘His personal situation is really not so difficult. My priority is not Ross, with respect, it is his decision. I look more to other players. I knew this at the end of the season. Everyone knows what the situation is and that’s enough, I don’t talk any more about this.’
Tottenham have been seen as the club Barkley could join but Chelsea’s apparent interest could be stepped up as the Premier League champions look to boost their squad ahead of the title defence, which would also help the (other) Blues increase the homegrown quota too.
Former Toffees midfielder, a teammate of Barkley’s, Leon Osman doesn’t doubt his ability but told BBC Radio 5 live the England international would have to up his all-round game in order to become a regular in a top four or six club.
‘He is certainly going to get into top teams in the league,’ said Osman. ‘But he’s not got the all-round game yet that managers of these top four or six clubs want to see. Moments of brilliance he shows are what clubs strive for. That’s why he’s constantly linked with top clubs. Not every player can produce those moments.’
Koeman’s clearly been planning for a future without the midfielder all summer, the Everton boss is continuing to do so, with the job the Dutchman has performed at Goodison backed by Osman, who also feels the next move made by Barkley could be crucial in his career.
‘Ross Barkley has got a big decision to make. Now it’s up to Koeman to plan for time without him. He has to plan for the club to move forward and he’s been doing a good job so far.’
Barkley could have become a legend on Merseyside but his decision has been made and if he doesn’t move on this summer, which is likely to come down to the fee Everton will accept, he’ll do so on a free in 12 months time.
It’ll take some turnaround now for the situation to change but in football anything’s possible…
Osman went on to talk about the season ahead and he feels the Blues, who have brought well during the transfer window, are well set for a good Premier League season with a top-six finish needed.
He, we probably wouldn’t expect him to say anything less, believes the Toffees can finish about Liverpool too when asked about becoming to top club on Merseyside again.
Osman said: ‘Absolutely. The divide isn’t that big with regard to the league. I think Everton seem to be not capable of beating Liverpool enough times when it’s head to head. But over the course of the season points-wise there isn’t much in it. A top six and improving is the aim and any kind of silverware. Everton have waited a long time. They say you get the first one and more will follow. Everton are desperate for that at the moment.’
Meanwhile, one of the potential options to replace Barkley, in fact the most likely candidate, Gylfi Sigurdsson, will sit out Swansea’s latest pre-season friendly at Birmingham this afternoon due to the continued speculation surrounding his future.
