Koeman remains matter-of-fact over Barkley's future

Monday, 10 April, 2017 82comments  |  Jump to most recent
Ronald Koeman has reiterated his stance over Ross Barkley's contract situation, suggesting that the decision for Everton is simple if he doesn't agree to new terms.

While the topic of Romelu Lukaku's future has dominated Blues-related news in recent weeks, Barkley's is more pressing given that he will only have a year left on his current deal at the end of the season.

The 23-year-old apparently has an offer on the table but has yet to put pen to paper on a new contract, raising the prospect that he would have to be sold this summer.

"We offer him a new contract, and then (there are) two possibilities," Koeman said after yesterday's 4-2 win over Leicester in which Barkley returned to form with an excellent assist for Everton's first-half equaliser that made it 2-2.

"One, he signs that contract, if he doesn't sign that contract then we need to sell the player. It's simple — it's not so difficult in my opinion."

With regard to Lukaku, Koeman stated again that the club will do everything it can to keep the Belgian at Goodison Park next season.

"We try to keep the best players. We spoke a lot about Ross and Rom because they are really important.

"Most of the time the quality of the players can be the difference between Everton and the opponent, and they played really well.

"Everybody knows [Lukaku is] a key player for Everton and we will try to do everything to keep him here.

"But the final decision is always with the player. Everyone knows he has his own ambition but we will try our best."

 

Reader Comments (82)

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Sam Hoare
1 Posted 10/04/2017 at 07:11:56
Didn't realise Ross only had 1 more year on his contract! So he may well be off this Summer then if he's stalling...

How much would we get for him with just a year left? £20-30m?

James Stewart
2 Posted 10/04/2017 at 07:17:01
Barkley needs Everton more than they do him.

For me we need someone more intelligent in that position, Sigursson would be the one.

Kunal Desai
3 Posted 10/04/2017 at 07:20:42
At a push, £ 40 million Sam. I think Ross knows his position is under threat. I expect both Barkley and Lukaku gone this summer as Koeman builds his own team.
Sam Hoare
4 Posted 10/04/2017 at 07:38:23
You may be right Kunal.

James, I like Siggurdsson a lot but he's not as dynamic as Ross. Less likely to beat a man and start a lightning counter. A good passer for sure and strikes the ball beautifully but perhaps his stint at Spurs should be a warning sign?

Probably not. I'd be happy enough if we got him. Though my ideal would be a quick footed, quick thinking Ozil/silva/mahrez/Hazard type.

Adam Luszniak
5 Posted 10/04/2017 at 07:43:43
Ross is an enigma. There is so much talent there, I never feel like I'm watching I'm at his best. He is a frustrating player.
Trevor Peers
6 Posted 10/04/2017 at 07:56:55
Another good win being spoilt by transfer speculation, obviously this has got to be sorted out in the summer.

Unlike Lukaku, we are not being told what Ross is being offered for some reason. If he's being offered £100k plus a week and stalling over signing, you have to question his motives, maybe he's not as loyal as people think, and thinks he can get a better deal elsewhere ?

Chris James
7 Posted 10/04/2017 at 08:10:20
I think Barkley is a talented player but at his best when he's instinctual – if he has to think about options he has a tendency to slow down or pick the wrong one. Technically and physically he's the real deal and his spirit is great, but there are question marks over his footballing intelligence that never go away.

I won't be unhappy if he signs but equally I won't be gutted if he goes – given £20-30m he's far more replaceable than Lukaku.

Liam Reilly
8 Posted 10/04/2017 at 08:15:54
I wonder what's keeping Barkley's contract from being signed; is it money or ambition?

If it is ambition, then he needs to take a long look at himself and produce the goods regularly and against superior opposition. I've not once see him change games against these sides.

I'd like him to stay, but he's yet to prove that hrs in the same class as the 10's at the other clubs.

If he does go; he could end up as a Rooney or a Rodwell; it's that tight for me.

Mike Berry
9 Posted 10/04/2017 at 08:28:35
They will be both be here next season or we will be £100m better off.

As long as we keep the boss for the next 3 years, that is the most important thing.

Ray Roche
10 Posted 10/04/2017 at 08:30:21
£30m will get you a no mark like Sissoko at Spurs, an over hyped player full of his own piss and importance who is not in the same League as Barkley.

£89m will get you an over hyped bell end like Pogba, full of his own piss and importance but able to conjure up unique (and ridiculous) hair cuts and pathetic, choreographed dance routines to celebrate the odd occasion he turns up and scores.

Keep Barkley at all costs, build the team around him, Davies, Holgate, Pennington, Kenny and others and leave buying the big money gobshites to the RS and Man Utd, Chelsea and Man City.

John Daley
11 Posted 10/04/2017 at 08:39:03
It was less than four weeks ago that Koeman was casually cracking on that Barkley hadn't yet been offered a contract, but talks were "planned" for the summer.

It was less than four months ago that he was saying a new contract offer for Ross was not a priority at that stage and the situation could keep until the summer.

Now there are insinuations about the player "stalling", being "maybe not as loyal as people think", and needing to "take a long look at himself"? Why? Because summer is fast approaching and he has yet to put pen to paper and sign a new contract.

Ciarán McGlone
12 Posted 10/04/2017 at 08:49:47
Why hasn't Koeman (the man who doesn't get involved in contract matters) offered the same ultimatum to Lukaku?
Jon Atkinson
13 Posted 10/04/2017 at 08:51:43
Steve Walsh pre match said Barkley would be offered a new contract... so, if it hasn't been offered yet, bit difficult to sign it.
Bill Griffiths
14 Posted 10/04/2017 at 08:52:20
Get real guys, we need to build the team round Ross.
Koeman should treat both Rom & Ross the same. He's saying do the utmost to keep Rom but play hard ball with Ross.
Will Mabon
15 Posted 10/04/2017 at 08:59:28
My personal guess is that there's truth in the rumours he doesn't hit it off with Koeman.

It might help if Koeman could talk about him without almost continually mentioning that Ross is "Improving". He will never willingly praise or acknowledge the level he's at.

As to anyone thinking Sigurdsson would be an improvement to our team, I'd say you should ask Pochettino why he sold him... and why he's continually rumoured to be interested in Barkley. Sigurdsson is at his level having returned to Swansea. Not good enough for Spurs.

As a team, our forwards' movement is not always quick or "Intelligent" enough to benefit from Barkley. Whenever someone does find space or time a run, funny how often Barkley seems to pick them out.

Equally noticeable that now we're better moving the ball through midfield on the floor, as opposed to Koeman's earlier into-the-channels tactics, Barkley has "Improved".

I'd love to hear who people think we can get who's better than Barkley, that will come to Everton, that we can afford. Or should we get a non-enigmatic "Trier" in, whilst we wait for Walsh to unearth a gem that no-one else in the whole football world is aware of?

Kenny Smith
16 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:00:29
For me it's a no-brainer. He has to be sold. He had a solid game yesterday keeping things very simple but as a creative player in a nNumber 10 position, is that what we want to see?

He frustrates me as he clearly has the lot physically but mentally he's not strong enough and his decision-making is poor.

They were talking on MotD2 last night about building a team around him. I think we've tried that for a few years now and it's failing when it matters most. There are better players more suited to what we need.

Anthony Murphy
17 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:00:55
I hope we keep Ross, but if he's off, can't we try for Mahrez... maybe Walsh can use his links to him to try and usher him our way?
Will Mabon
18 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:01:32
Ciaran - good point.
Paul Mackie
19 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:02:52
Ciaran (12) – He said in the interview. Ross has one year left whereas Lukaku has two years. Lukaku can make all the noise he wants, we don't have to sell him this Summer whether he wants to leave or not.
Ian Jones
20 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:04:31
I assume the ultimatum given to Ross hasn't been given to Lukaku due to the length of contract left at the end of this season. Ross has one year left. Rom has two.
Will Mabon
21 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:04:58
Paul, if Lukaku is here for 12 more months, I'll guarantee you Koeman won't speak of him in the same way as he does Barkley.
Sam Hoare
22 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:04:59
Ciaran @12 – possibly because Lukaku has 2 years left on his contract as opposed to 1. Less pressing need to resolve this Summer.
Seamus McCrudden
23 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:16:41
Maybe also Koeman is only starting to see the best of Ross in last few months as was previously undecided about him?
Trevor Peers
24 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:41:25
Sigurdsson, if we were lucky enough to sign him, and Koeman does fancy the player, offers a real threat from dead ball situations, something we sadly lack at the moment, has a great range of passes and can also be an excellent finisher.

Barkley would have nothing to fear if we signed him and should actually benefit.
Scott Hall
25 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:41:58
I'll get shot down for this, but Rooney for the short term (two years max) would give us a much better option in the number 10 role than Ross. Better, quicker decision making in my opinion.
Then longer term Sigurdsson or hopefully young Dowell.
Will Mabon
26 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:56:06
Trevor - so why did Spurs sell him?
Shane Corcoran
27 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:56:48
Ray #10, I believe we're all full of our own piss. Lots of irrelevant points there.

It does sound like Ross isn't Koeman's cup of tea.

Interesting summer ahead.

Daniel Lim
28 Posted 10/04/2017 at 09:57:00
Isn't it worrying that a local lad doesn't want to sign the contract when we fans think that the club is making progress on all fronts? Is there anything he knows and we don't? Are we being too optimistic with the progress Mr Moshiri is going to bring?
Chris Gould
29 Posted 10/04/2017 at 10:04:24
I'd like us to sign a player of Sigurdsson's ilk to compliment Barkley, not replace him.

Spurs have Eriksen, Alli, and Kane. We would match that attacking threat with Barkley, Sigurdsson, and Lukaku.

Amit Vithlani
30 Posted 10/04/2017 at 10:07:29

"It was less than four weeks ago that Koeman was casually cracking on that Barkley hadn't yet been offered a contract, but talks were "planned" for the summer. It was less than four months ago that he was saying a new contract offer for Ross was not a priority at that stage and the situation could keep until the summer."

It certainly seems chaotic.

There seems to be a huge amount of time invested in getting Rom to sign his deal, with a more relaxed approach to Ross. Perhaps Ross' up and down form meant Koeman, Walsh and the Board were casual in their attitude to a new deal.

Now that the boy is consistently delivering the goods, it has become a priority for them.

In my book, this is no way to build a team.

I do not see it being that easy to find a replacement and, having found a role for the lad in which he and the team are benefiting, the style will change again once he departs.

Ross' critics will point to a poor derby as a recent reminder of his inconsistency.

I think at 23 he still has to develop and we will miss his best years if he does leave this summer. Form can undulate but its Koeman's job to manage this.

Colin Glassar
31 Posted 10/04/2017 at 10:17:55
Ray 10, John 11, great points made. We don't know if Ross has been offered a new contract, it might be an old contract that's been sitting in a drawer for a year or two. We also don't know the terms. The players know how much each other earn so if Ross is well behind the other senior players he might not be happy.

Because Ross is a quiet, unassuming lad I think there might be some bullying going on with him. Ronald needs to keep these things behind closed doors. It doesn't benefit him or the players.

Paul Tran
32 Posted 10/04/2017 at 10:19:18
What Koeman says makes perfect logical sense to me. And I don't blame Ross for biding his time. I'm sure it's not just Lukaku who is watching and waiting over our transfer plans in the summer and who may be making offers for him.

It's a game of high stakes poker. My money's on them both playing for us next season, hopefully with better quality colleagues pushing them further.

Eugene Ruane
33 Posted 10/04/2017 at 10:30:51
clip - Link
James Byrne
34 Posted 10/04/2017 at 11:09:45
Couldn't care less about Barkley. If a club is prepared to pay £25M plus then it's goodbye for me.

He's not that good a player and he's never moved up that notch to be considered world class, and he never will be in the same area as Dele Alli etc.

As regards to Lukaku Everton need to offer the lad the most ridiculous wage offer to keep him. £250,000 plus a week and stop messing around. Koeman stated he was the best striker in the world. If that's the case then we need to match his worth and get on with it.

Gordon Crawford
35 Posted 10/04/2017 at 11:16:02
Sigurdsson Is a good player, but he isn't as good as Ross. Said it before and I'll say it again, Ross Barkley is a diamond, yes a rough diamond, but he is unique. Everton need to figure out how to get the best out of Ross consistently.

Yes he can have his quite games and I'm the first to admit this, but he can also do something sublime like yesterday. It would be madness if he went, he's just irreplaceable in my eyes.

But If he wants to leave then start the bidding at £40 million. I hope he signs though. I would rather keep Ross than Ronald or Rom.

Stan Schofield
36 Posted 10/04/2017 at 11:19:26
Koeman always seems to focus on the performance of individual players to explain our performances, but never seems to mention the importance of his tactical decisions. In this respect, and for example with our away form, he seems to blame the players, not the tactics or a combination of both. This focus makes me uneasy about Koeman's man-management, since it looks like the classic example of a manager who blames everyone else but himself.

I'm not saying that Koeman is crap, only that I'm not convinced by his management skills. The fact that there is a big difference between our home form and our away form may be a sign of a systematic problem with Koeman's tactics away from home.

Both Ross and Rom seem to perform best at home, when the tactics are right. Regarding Ross, I don't see him needing to 'improve' as such, but rather returning to the form we know he's capable of. It seems that the right tactics can get the best out of Ross, just like any other player.

So, overall, I suspect Koeman is talking bullshit, not accepting responsibility for his own actions, putting the onus on players to 'improve' when they are already established players. It wouldn't surprise me if Ross is a bit pissed off with this constant 'grade marking' of him by Koeman.

I'm unsure about Koeman's ability as a manager, the jury is out for me. In contrast, I'm 100% sure about Ross's ability as a footballer.

Colin Glassar
37 Posted 10/04/2017 at 11:21:00
Same here Gordon. Those who say Ross should be sold if we are offered anything around the £20m mark are still stuck in the early noughties. Any half decent English player in the prem e.g. Shawcross, Byrom, Noble etc would be sold for far more than this.
Tony Draper
38 Posted 10/04/2017 at 11:25:56
Ross, just sign up lad. Koeman has turned you around he really has.

Which other club do you want to play for?
Which other manager do you want to play for?
The one that "rides a cock horse to Banbury Cross"?

Gordon Crawford
39 Posted 10/04/2017 at 11:28:40
Very well said Stan. I echoed your comments in some of my past posts. I'm not convinced that Ronald is the right man for the job.

Yes we have improved some since he arrived, but not enough to make me think he is the next Howard. His public treatment of Ross, Niasse, Geri has left a bitter taste in my mouth. If he has issues with Ross and other players he should work it out in private, not to the media.

Andrew Clare
40 Posted 10/04/2017 at 11:28:51
In my dreams I hope both of them stay.If they do I really believe that with a good summer transfer window we will be challenging next season for trophies.

Back to reality I think that they are going.It's sad really especially as Barkley is an Evertonian through and through.

We are pretty good at this selling of our best players though aren't we? Thinking of Ball, Lineker and Rooney for example. Even Howard Kendall

l although that was put of the Latchford deal if I remember correctly.

Gordon Crawford
41 Posted 10/04/2017 at 11:36:45
Yes Colin your right. £20 million might get you a selfie of Ross. He is worth at least double that on a bad day. The media are already starting to spout that Alli is worth £100 million. I'd have Ross over Alli any day of the week.
Alexander Murphy
42 Posted 10/04/2017 at 12:07:53
"But If he wants to leave then start the bidding at £40 million. I hope he signs though. I would rather keep Ross than Ronald or Rom."

Gordon, why shouldn't we keep all three? Then add more besides?

The days of the Moyes be grateful for the little that you have are over.

Onward Evertonians!

Eugene Ruane
44 Posted 10/04/2017 at 12:14:02
Stan (#38) – think that's a fair enough assessment of Koeman right now, would feel a lot more enthusiastic if we set up and performed 'braver' away.

I suppose the next transfer window (who we get, who leaves, how we perform after) will be the decider for many.

Colin (#39) – true Barkley's player value (in the present market) would be way above £25m, but the (short) amount of time left on his contract would affect the present sale price.

We keep him another year (without him signing) and we're basically paying a player who doesn't want to stay and who can walk for nothing in a year.

Alexander Murphy
45 Posted 10/04/2017 at 12:28:33
Regarding Ross Barkley.
Recently appeared in "The Guardian".
Earlier post bit of a mess.

Link

Robert Leigh
46 Posted 10/04/2017 at 12:45:10
Yes Gordon - couldn't agree more. It's a great time having Ross, Davies n co coming through the ranks; and Ross over a diving-Dele any day of the week.
Gordon Crawford
47 Posted 10/04/2017 at 12:46:10
Alexander what I'm saying is that if Ross wants to go, then start the bidding at £40m. I don't want him to go period. I was also saying that I would have Ross any day over Ronald and Rom. To keep all three would be good of course.

Yes it's all over the papers that it is Ross. But it says that the incident was not reported to the police. And a reporter says that Everton are looking into it.

But that attacker should be jailed for his actions.

Dave Abrahams
48 Posted 10/04/2017 at 13:12:30
Ross had the new offer since the new year, it doesn't look like it is acceptable to him or his agent, fair enough, it's possible they have received /or know of a better offer and are waiting on a bigger offer from The Blues, it doesn't look like that is fore coming, going by Koeman's comments.

Ross has only a year to go on his contract after this season so that will reflect the offers coming in for him.

He has improved since Christmas and had another good game yesterday, there is still a lot more in his game that he doesn't produce, if he stays with Everton and Koeman he should continue that improvement, if not some other club may reap the benefit in the future. H

e has still to improve his quickness of thought, Tom Davies is twice as fast in this matter, but Ross is still a good player.

Chris Gould
49 Posted 10/04/2017 at 13:13:45
Robert (#51),

I am a huge fan of Barkley, but Alli is at a different level at the moment. It's hard to admit it, but both Spurs and Alli are performing at enviable high levels. It's where Everton and Barkley should aspire to be.

Maybe next season? But only if we buy very well in the summer.

Spurs, for me, are the blueprint. Look at their team and see how many personal battles we win. Not many in my opinion, even with blue tinted specs.

John G Davies
50 Posted 10/04/2017 at 13:13:59
"Some beaked/juiced hero"

You will be getting some stick at playtime for that one, Eugene

Ajay Gopal
51 Posted 10/04/2017 at 13:42:58
Back to the topic, Ron has said previously that he doesn't want Ross to think of it as a warning/deadline, but a reality of football that a player asset entering the last year of his contract needs to be sold if said player does not sign a new contract.

In that context, he is just speaking plain reality, not trying to arm-twist Ross. Having said that, I would be bitterly disappointed if Everton do not get Ross to sign on.

Kind of indicates that we have not progressed since the days when Rooney moved on to a 'bigger' club. We should offer Ross the same salary as what is offered to Lukaku. A statement of intent.

Kieran Kinsella
52 Posted 10/04/2017 at 13:43:16
Ross: "My contract's running out in two years."
Ron: "We will talk about it next summer.

Ross: "My contract's running out in 18 months."
Ron: "We will talk about next summer... IF you deserve one."

Ross: "Looking forward to our summer chat."
Ron: "Sign this now or get out."

Raymond Fox
53 Posted 10/04/2017 at 14:06:02
That's what agents are there for, to get the player and themselves more money. I wouldn't read too much into it, they are trying too get better terms naturally.

Koeman is calling their bluff.

Adam Scott
54 Posted 10/04/2017 at 14:30:57
On Barkley's future, I agree that Koeman is stating simple reality. An asset of his value is not going to allowed to run down his contract by the club. I don't see it as them calling him out at all.

Of course, he could ignore any bids and see out the last year of his deal... A McManaman scenario. Hope not.

I really don't understand why he would leave. I don't really see this 'Koeman doesn't fancy him' stuff either. He plays him regularly, and for the first time in his career, he actually looks consistent, at a club going places.. I don't see a reason for him to leave at all. If he does go, where is going to be better where he plays week in, week out exactly? Tottenham? Don't see it. Ross is the sort of player who needs a team built around him. He isn't an adaptable player. Tottenham have Alli and Kane.

This leads into the assault thing. Whilst I sympathise for what is seemingly an unprovoked attack, I question why he has put himself in the position. Read on Twitter that this will force him out.. Maybe it will. Liverpool isn't London. Moving out of the city, or at least not being seen in bars, is a small sacrifice for the 10-15 years of a career. You go out, you will get attention. SOme will be good natured, but not all will. Mix it will alcohol, even in the more upmarket bars, and some of these knobheads will go too far.

Move to Alderley Edge or something..

Colin Glassar
55 Posted 10/04/2017 at 14:46:44
Adam, what are you saying? Players should be allowed to go out for a meal, or a drink, without fearing for their safety. Despite being very rich young men they have just as much right as any other mortal to unwind after work.

I read a few years ago that Everton and Liverpool players prefer to go out in Manchester than in Liverpool as there is less aggro. Troy Deeney was threatened recently (in Birmingham) because he got tired of taking selfies with fans and just wanted to finish his meal.

Love them or hate them they have a right to walk the streets like everyone else.

Shane Corcoran
56 Posted 10/04/2017 at 14:49:08
Robert (#51), you refer to Alli diving in the same sentence as you praise Barkley?

Our Ross doesn't need to be asked twice to lose his legs.

John Daley
57 Posted 10/04/2017 at 14:51:50
"Ross had the new offer since the new year, it doesn't look like it is acceptable to him or his agent,"

Dave,

According to who and why does the manager seemingly know nothing about it?

Even when quizzed after the match yesterday about how he envisions things unfurling in the summer (in regards to Barkley's situation), Koeman said "We offer a new contract and then there are two possibilities", not that one has already been offered and is sitting there unsigned.

It's true that when asked in December if Barkley would be offered a new deal, Koeman did say "We know he has 18 months left on his contract, but it is not a priority now. In the New Year, of course we will have talks about his situation and the future. We will see what happens in January."

However, January came and went without so much as a whisper of Ross being offered new terms and, as recently as March, Koeman came out and said contract talks between the club and Barkley "are planned, but I don't think they have started yet"

Later the same month, Koeman said he had a word with Ross about a new contract and Ross gave him no indication he would not sign, but then stressed "it's up to the board to get that contract over the line".

Alan J Thompson
58 Posted 10/04/2017 at 15:28:38
"We are doing everything to keep the player and have offered him the biggest contract in the clubs history"

"Sign it or we'll sell you" ... or words to that effect.

This is what happens when you don't get your Mum, Dad and Agent involved or shout your mouth off at internationals. I'd have thought that the lesson would have been learnt after the Niasse incident – keep it in house, not in the Press.

John Pierce
59 Posted 10/04/2017 at 15:36:35
Koeman is a very dour and pragmatic dude. When he talks excitement is as far away as us signing Messi.

Would Ross be worth keeping, most would say so. Are there persistent doubts about him transitioning to a fully fledged player, yes again I think there is.

Obviously he offers some amazing skills, the cross yesterday was executed perfectly and perhaps more telling quickly and with little thought.

Everton have a clear plan about their summer activity and like it or not Ross needs to decide as they already have a player to either replace him or provide competition for him.

Barkley in return needs to do what's best for him, no recriminations from me if he leaves, just do what makes you happy lad.

My guess is he will be sold, as he lacks the extra dynamic elements to his game which Koeman values, off the ball he still is left wanting, but there have been improvements.

My feelings are betrayed by the last two games, I screamed plenty at Ross on Tuesday and yesterday for slowing the attack down or being ponderous in possession. Whilst limited options available to him can offer mitigation, for me Ross just not laser sharp in the telling moments.

The comparison for Davies goal and Ross' chance summed it up. One was clean, focused and smoothly executed the other a little complacent and careless.

Yes yes, Kasper made a good save, but should never had chance to do so, Ross pleadingly looking at the Lino for offside compounded the whole thing.

Koeman eh!? As much charisma as a rock.

Dave Abrahams
60 Posted 10/04/2017 at 16:13:26
John, (#57), maybe I've got it wrong, but I thought and think the offer was made early in the New Year, you might be right and no offer has been made, a bit slow on Everton part if no offer has been made.
Nigel Johnson
61 Posted 10/04/2017 at 16:44:33
Lukaku and Barkley talk a lot about ambition, but won't commit to Everton FC. This is not helping Everton to show ambition because until they know who is going to stay, how can they fully plan who to bring in. In order for Everton to move to the next stage they will need to get the summer business done early.

I can understand the Boss saying to Barkley sign or leave. Lukaku is waiting for big offers but the only two clubs that might look at him is Manchester Utd or Chelsea, both clubs always look for the finish article in players, Lukaku has lots still to learn. Lukaku is a player who needs to be loved to the point of playing every match for him to remain confident. I don't think he will play every match for Manchester Utd or Chelsea.
David Johnson
62 Posted 10/04/2017 at 18:06:56
Ray (#10), You say leave the signing of big money players to Liverpool, Chelsea, Man Utd etc. Yes, if you want to go another 20 years potless.

I don't understand your logic. The likes of Pennington is nowhere near ready.

Ray Roche
63 Posted 10/04/2017 at 19:23:22
Shane Corcoran (#27),

You might be, I'm not.

"Lots of irrelevant points there."

Like pointing out how much overrated players Sissoko and Pogba are? I think it's highly relevant when we're discussing Barkley may be worth.

Colin Glassar
64 Posted 10/04/2017 at 19:28:56
Spot on, Alan (#58), Ronald doesn't need to play this out in public unless there's something else behind all this?
Darren Hind
65 Posted 10/04/2017 at 19:48:30
Koeman - A brick/ two short planks/ pig shit/ a submarine door . . . .
Colin Glassar
66 Posted 10/04/2017 at 19:53:35
Thick, Darren? I love quizzes.
Brian Williams
67 Posted 10/04/2017 at 19:59:05
Koeman is merely answering questions with details that are readily available i.e when Ross's contract is up.

He's also stating the bleeding obvious when he says "He will be offered a new contract and if he doesn't sign it he'll be sold."

There doesn't HAVE to be anything more to it, or some ulterior motive.

It's common sense that no player with a decent resale value will be allowed to run down his contract and leave on a free.

All Koeman is doing is stating what everyone already knows ffs.

Paul Tran
68 Posted 10/04/2017 at 20:07:34
Koeman was asked about the situation of Barkley's contract. He said there were two options, we offer a contract, he signs it or we sell. Not rocket science, is it?

I don't blame Barkley for being ambitious, for trying to get the best deal he can. I certainly don't blame Koeman for playing hardball back. It's not as if we have to be told what goes on in these situations, is it? Game of pier, who blinks first?

Why a 'different attitude' with Lukaku? Two reasons. His contract has two years to run and I'm guessing that Koeman has a view that it's easier to replace a talented and inconsistent midfielder than the league's top scorer.

I can't see Barkley as a regular starter in any of the six teams above us. Can you?

Darren Hind
69 Posted 10/04/2017 at 20:20:00
Apparently it is rocket science Paul.

There may only be two options now, but that is entirely Koemans fault. This could have been sorted long ago, but Koeman was playing stupid games and he was playing them very publically.

Now he has painted himself into a corner. Barkley may have his detractors, but he has an army of fans. If he leaves this club due to Koeman's fuckwittery it will be the first nail in "Honest Ron's" coffin.

How can people say Barkley is stalling on a contract that hasn't yet been offered? If Barkley decides to play hard ball and stay put for a year, He will make himself one of the richest young men in sport.

What would soft ollies do then? Take away his locker?

John G Davies
70 Posted 10/04/2017 at 20:32:21
Do you know for certain Ross has not been offered a contract, Darren?
Paul Tran
71 Posted 10/04/2017 at 20:37:19
Darren, there's always been two options. He signs or we sell. Simple.

I think either Koeman's hedging his bets as he's not completely convinced by Barkley, or Barkley's hedging his bets as he's not convinced by Koeman. I don't know anything about stuff behind the scenes, which could be a big factor in this.

I think the club has the stronger hand here. We're not the look down the back of sofa club we were a couple of years ago. There's less chance of us feeling 'held to ransom'. I don't think he'll get a regular game with the teams above us and that's why he'll sign another contract with us.

Darren Hind
72 Posted 10/04/2017 at 20:58:05
Two words, Paul – Sol Campbell

We know it can be done, because we've seen it.

Barkley doesn't have to hold anyone to ransom, he just needs to sit tight. imagine the signing on fee for a twenty four year old international on a free?

Koeman needs to start talking privately to the boy, not publically to the press. He is making a complete fuck of this.

Paul Tran
73 Posted 10/04/2017 at 21:22:31
And Dan Gosling, so it's possible, Darren. No less possible than them talking privately already.

No doubt the club could have sorted this by making a massive offer. Maybe they've taken Ross for granted. Perhaps they don't think he's worth smashing the wage scale. It could be that Koeman/Barkley don't rate each other enough, hence the stand-off.

If I was negotiating, at some point I'd ask his agent which top six club would play him regularly. Perhaps he'd be happier with a big signing on fee playing every 3 or 4 games for Spurs, if they're interested.

Sure, Koeman's doing a bit of grandstanding now. My hunch is that he'd like Ross to stay, but isn't losing any sleep over it, as he thinks he can replace him. He might do that this summer regardless. I keep reading on here that we heed a midfielder who can pick a pass, drive the team forwards and score goals. Do you think Ross is that player?


Darren Hind
74 Posted 10/04/2017 at 21:28:34
You know my thoughts on that, Paul.

I think Barkley has a far better chance of becoming that player than Koeman has of becoming a successful manager.

If it came to a choice (which of course it won't), I would bin Koeman and keep Barkley

Paul Tran
75 Posted 10/04/2017 at 21:34:53
I think we'll have to agree to disagree on that one, Darren.

I wouldn't put money on either being the success we hope they'll be.

Anthony Dwyer
76 Posted 11/04/2017 at 01:04:55
I reckon we are about to lose three of our most talented players, one season after losing another of our top players and this is going hand in hand with our new regime.

Stones left for Man City and was replaced by Williams who is a million miles behind him in every aspect of the modern game.

Next off is Deulofeu, our quickest, trickiest player we've had in years.

Then of course Rom is off, this lad is head and shoulders above anything we've had at the club for decades.

And now Ross, a lad who divides opinions but imo the most creative player we've had since Arteta.

All these players (including Stones) will play for decent sides throughout there careers, all of them are still under 24, and all of them are going yo be gone before hitting there peaks, I can see us looking back for many a year thinking what the fuck happened there.

Never mind Ross only having a year on his deal, and Rom only having two years, the biggest question should be how the fuck has this happened?

How have we allowed our main men to run there contracts down this way. Have we not learned lessons from the likes of the Dan Gosling situation?

We want yo talk the talk, but we have yo learn the fucking basics if we want to walk the walk.

Sign your most important players down to long term deals, and keep your best players happy.

If there on long term deals then we can demand whatever fee we choose, if we let deals run down then we don't hold any cards.

Truth be known the Barkley contract saga is a total joke. He's 23 and been touted about as a £40m+ player for years and we allow him to get into this position. Unfortunately we as a club are pathetic.

Dave Abrahams
77 Posted 11/04/2017 at 02:08:54
Anthony (#76), John Stones wanted to go, Lukaku wants to go. I like Deulofeu and still think he can be a great player, but he has had plenty of chances to prove he can do the business for Everton. He hasn't taken those chances.

That leaves Ross; is he going to be the player we all thought he could be? More importantly, does he want to stay here and prove that he can become that player?

Darren Hind
78 Posted 11/04/2017 at 02:36:33
Steven Gerrard very nearly fucked off to Chelsea once because the shite were stalling on making him one of the highest players in the game. We haven't even offered Ross a contract.

This is Koemans doing, I don't for one minute think he has been publically criticising Barkley and privately assuring him of his future at the club. He could easily have instructed the powers that be to draw up a contract.

I don't believe there is a club in the world who would not take Barkley on a free. Hopefully the guy has too much integrity to go down that route.

"Do you know for certain that Ross hasn't been offered a contract ?"

Well yes. . . unless of course honest Ron is lying through his teeth

John Pierce
79 Posted 11/04/2017 at 03:01:53
The language used by Koeman yesterday was telling, paraphrasing about Rom "we will do everything to keep him". On Ross "sign or be sold".

Clearly the pressure is now on Ross to sign, could be the club or Koeman or both. But its feels like doesn't fancy him, but if he signs then he can be part of the squad.

Personally I get the feeling Ross needs to step up quickly if he wants to stay. As a number 10 less touches more incisive play, better without the ball.

Splinters next year for Ross.

Alan J Thompson
80 Posted 11/04/2017 at 04:56:29
I'm sorry but if you don't think most Premier League and several Champions League clubs wouldn't welcome Ross with open arms then you are kidding yourself.

Koeman, when asked the question, should have answered that the club are presently discussing the matter with the players representatives and the matter should be settled in the summer.

Will Mabon
81 Posted 11/04/2017 at 07:42:46
Alan, post 80 - I agree.

Barkley "Not good enough" to many on here. Should he leave, it wouldn't be to just a Premier League club, it will be to a higher placed Prem. club than ourselves, or a top European club. I'd bet money on that. Or are there some still prepared to assert that he'll end up at West Brom/Stoke/Swansea?

Spurs have been strongly and frequently quoted as interested in Barkley, to the point it seems very likely there's some truth in it. Spurs are cited regularly on here as being a team to whose standards we should aspire.

Spurs' manager Pochettino sold Sigurdsson. It seems our club might want Sigurdsson, and many posters here are behind that.

It might be some time til we reach Tottenham's level...

Trevor Peers
82 Posted 11/04/2017 at 08:16:52
Hopefully Ross will stay, but we badly need to have more competition for places in the creative midfield position.

If Barkley doesn't fancy having to fight for his position and wants a guaranteed place, that's his choice. I can't see him getting that by moving.

Remember what happened with John Stones, he's hardly been a massive success at Citeh. Everyone is replaceable, but I do think he will sign again for us.

Damian Wilde
83 Posted 11/04/2017 at 09:04:52
Trevor, which side do you think would 'guarantee' Ross a place? None of the sides above that's for sure.

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