Barry's next move will be a footballing decision

Lyndon Lloyd , 9 May, 37comments | Jump to most recent

Martinez doesn't expect finances to sway midfielder

Roberto Martinez expects to sit down with Gareth Barry next week to discuss the player's future but doesn't feel that the 33 year-old's decision will be one based on money.

Rather, the Spaniard believes that Barry will decide what is best for him from a footballing perspective, whether that is staying in the Premier League and, perhaps, signing a permanent deal with Everton or moving abroad.

Barry has enjoyed an excellent season at Goodison Park on loan from Manchester City, being virtually ever-present in an impressively balanced central-midfield axis with James McCarthy.

Playing such a crucial role in the Blues' laudable season, which is effectively guaranteed to end with a fifth-place finish, is in stark contrast to a campaign spent watching predominantly from the sidelines at Manchester City but the ex-Aston Villa man now needs to weigh up what could be the last significant move of his career.

"We will talk after the Hull game," said Martinez, who is typically pragmatic about the situation. "The most important thing was to make sure this season was a real success for him especially and then the parent club, and ourselves.

"Gareth is such an incredible guy, he is not a normal footballer. One day he will be a manager."

Martinez has no doubts that Barry's physical conditioning will allow him to follow the likes of Sylvain Distin in playing at the top level later into his 30s but admits that he doesn't yet know where the former England international sees his immediate future.

Everton have part-paid his £100,000-a-week salary this season but would not be able to match those wages with any contract offer they make this month. Martinez is confident, though, that Barry won't be motivated by money.

"We will sit down and I'm sure we will get a straight answer one way or another," Martinez continued. "It's not about finding a good contract or financial package, it's more about the next footballing chapter and where he can enjoy it next.

"I think he has loved his time at Everton massively. He has developed a great affinity to the club. In the same way, you don't know where his next step is.

"Does he want to go abroad and experiment with a different culture? What is clear is that we would love to have him and give him the next step here. I will respect Gareth. He has been such an incredible professional that he only deserves respect from our point of view."

Barry has been linked strongly with Arsenal who could stretch to meet his current salary but has also been tipped for a move to the new New York City FC Major League Soccer team in the US.

"It's important we try to keep him at the club but in the same way if he doesn't stay, it's our job to make sure the next squad in the next window is as strong or stronger than what we have," Martinez concluded.

"I learned many seasons ago that you can't waste any energy on the ifs and buts. It is more about what you can affect. You need to put things in place and make sure the options ahead are exciting and that is where we are as a club."

Quotes sourced from The Guardian

Reader Comments (37)

Note: the following content is not moderated or vetted by the site owners at the time of submission. Comments are the responsibility of the poster. Disclaimer

Drew Shortis
1 Posted 09/05/2014 at 01:55:50

Barry was the right signing for us at the right time. He brought stability to the midfield and helped McCarthy thrive. If we can get him on a sensible wage I would be delighted if he stays. If he is after one last big pay-day then perhaps it would be better to invest the money in the 7-8 new players Martinez has been talking about. £100k p/w would cover three £30k wages, a decent sum for an up and coming player. I think the same may be true of Lukaku.

Anto Byrne
2 Posted 09/05/2014 at 05:56:20

With Rodwell mooted to return, provided he is fit enough, and to take up that defensive role, we would have real cover for both McCarthy and Barry. I'm sure under Martinez we would see a different Jack Rodwell who, in my opinion, for what it's worth, was shackled by the Moyes way of playing.

But, then again, we could employ Baines in that role, leaving a space for Oviedo. Barry is an important player and, given what he has done for us this term, I'm sure the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool are considering making an offer, two teams at least offering Champions League football.

Sam Hoare
3 Posted 09/05/2014 at 06:52:00

Drew if Barry stays there is no way he would be on £100k. I should think £50-60k would be the most we would offer. I suspect he will leave but time will tell.

Matt Traynor
4 Posted 09/05/2014 at 07:09:50

I wouldn't rule out Barry staying - granted this will be his last contract, certainly at the top level, but he's always come across as being fairly level headed, and not the type to write-off a £170k car, leave it to the recovery company to dispose of telling them he didn't want it back (Ronaldo) or blow through hundreds of grand on gambling and hookers (most of the rest according to the tabloids). He's been married for a while, with a young family, so maybe he's got his future sorted.

In other words, at this stage of the career his £60k a week or whatever he gets at Everton will be topping off his pension pot with maybe a bit for a new gazebo in the Japanese Garden.

If he is to move, I'd expect it to be abroad, and a family decision to spend some time over there and look for opportunities after football. A lot of these players are well managed now by agencies who can line up all sorts of "projects" after they retire - they don't all have to go down the Gascoigne route of Bargain Booze every night cos yer miss the bantz of training.

Mike Green
5 Posted 09/05/2014 at 07:19:39

It'll be a real shame if he goes, I voted him player of the season for the assurance and quality he brought to our midfield, qualities which gave players around him the confidence to express themselves.

I can't believe how much I under-rated him before he came to us but 30 seconds into the first time I saw him play live for us I had to eat my words - great player.

Naively I thought he'd found himself a niche with us where he could play a major part in moving our club forward but now realise he can do that anywhere. He can probably pick and choose where he wants to play, at what level, and with who - so if you were given the opportunity to experience a different club / league / country / manager / players / competition and still earn massive money at the tail end of your career why wouldn't you do it?

So, why would he stay with us? We can't offer him CL, but can offer him Europa. We can't offer him a new experience but can offer him more of one he seems to have enjoyed. We can't offer him more money but probably can offer him a realistic chance of coaching in the near future. We can offer him regular football in the top flight but probably can't offer him much in the way of silverware. We can offer him more time under an exciting, young, possibly great manager but that could take away the final opportunity to work for a Wenger / one of the great names in the game. We can offer him warmth, humour and comfort but cannot offer him sun, sand and sangria.

We can offer him stability and the opportunity to go out as a bit of an Everton "Great" but time is running out so we can offer him a lot but with time in such short supply does he want to dedicate that to us or try something new.

Sadly, the more I hear and read about it the more it I think it could be the latter, which is a shame but given the quality, respect and professionalism he's given us would only wish him well if that's what he chose to do.

Either way, in one season he's given me a lot of enjoyment and I will never again say 'milk turns faster than Gareth Barry' - a truly class act.

Colin Glassar
6 Posted 09/05/2014 at 08:10:23

Didn't Barry agree to a £55.000 p/w deal in January when we were close to brining in another loan player? There were strong rumours to that effect.

Matt Traynor
7 Posted 09/05/2014 at 08:25:09

Colin, any agreement would've had to have been over a permanent transfer in January, as we would have been unable to agree a deal on a Bosman until the end of his contract (he can though agree to move abroad - which includes Scotland - in January).

I think the idea was we would pay a nominal fee to Man City in January to allow us to loan Rodwell, but that was contingent on City bringing in a couple of players from La Liga from memory.

Adam Luszniak
8 Posted 09/05/2014 at 09:36:31

I was worried about Baines' contract saga before he signed, as under the old regime no news was normally bad news. However Martinez clearly played a part in convincing Baines to stay, a player with way more opportunities to go to a bigger club than Barry. Clearly Barry has options in front of him bit I trust in Martinez to offer Barry a deal that works.

Would love to have Mcarthy, Barry, Gibson and Rodwell available to us next season. Perhaps one more in the unlikely case that two of the above end up on the physio bench all season...

Steve Jones
9 Posted 09/05/2014 at 09:32:05

Irony that he's had, perhaps, too good a season with us and he's proven to himself that he can still hack it at the top level in the English game. If he'd wobbled a bit more maybe he'd think he still had something to show us.

There was talk he wanted a 3yr deal from us. I'm not sure we'd want to do that exactly. He's still got quality sufficient that he could go abroad, shine, and command a kings ransom for it. If he signs a 2yr deal with us, on good money, I'll be made up...got to be good news all round. If he decides to take the family off for a last chance of glory, a stretch of the career an extra year or two and a big payday in the States I'd not blame him for a second and wish him every success.

Cool to be Gareth Barry eh?.

Andy Osborne
10 Posted 09/05/2014 at 09:35:36

It is refreshing to hear RM say it is not about money. Not many players these days that have that attitude. I also think we have a lot to offer him. Many have been posted already by Mike. One thing which I think would sway me, if I was at that stage of a career, is "where am I wanted", he is enjoying his football with us, he is enjoying his role as a leader, an elder statesman, and he is one of the first names on the team sheet. He has the respect of his manager, team mates and the fans. What a great place to be for the last few years of his career. If he went to arsenal, he won't have many or all of those. And he probably will be on the bench for a lot of the time. Great pay check, but not playing much. It's a no brainer for me, but I'm not him. I hope he stays.

Andy Osborne
11 Posted 09/05/2014 at 09:47:31

Steve, I'd give him a three year contract. Yes he's getting old, for a football player, but he's fit, hot good legs and is not a box to box player, so he conserves his energy. Even if he is not an automatic first team member in his last year of a three year contract, he will be great as a back up and very influential in the dressing room.

Jim Bennings
12 Posted 09/05/2014 at 09:48:29

I really hope we can keep Barry even if it's just a one year deal with the option if a further year afterwards.

He is obviously still very fit, has played most of the games, missed none through injury and hos experience has proved vital.

To put our faith in the forever injured Gibson or Rodwell as Barry's replacement would be careless.

Gibson had missed so much football it's going to be hard for him to hit the ground running next season up against midfielders like Yaya Toure etc.

We probably do need to target a long tern replacement for both he and Barry but keeping Barry for a short term would help us no doubt about that.

I would still like to see a move for Tom Huddlestone at some point.

A player I have always rated highly and his ball retention and passing ability would suit the Martinez style of playing.

Jim Bennings
13 Posted 09/05/2014 at 09:59:46

The thing I really like about Barry is that he us a real calming influence and I am sure Ross Barkley has appreciated having Barry sitting behind him in our midfield this season, it has helped both Barkley and James McCarthy in my opinion.

Lets not forget the players like Gary McAllister, Andre Pirlo, Paul Scholes and the late tragically missed Gary Speed were all still playing fine football well into their 30s and were arguably the most influential players at their respective clubs at that late stage in their careers.

Matt Traynor
14 Posted 09/05/2014 at 10:11:09

Jim #13 that's a good point – one I had overlooked, his influence on the younger players. He's never been one to rock the boat. He did want to leave Villa to go to RS, (their hero, Benitez, was on the verge of selling Alonso for a paltry £10m to Juventus and replacing him with Barry – the RS fans were revolting – they are at the best of times). But when Villa refused to sell for £18m (they sold for £12m a year later to Man City) he didn't throw his toys out the pram. Players these days are quick to engineer moves, but unwilling to demand a transfer so as not to lose out on "loyalty" bonuses etc. Bizarre business indeed.

Like others if he does opt to go abroad, wouldn't blame him. Funny how a lot of us under-rated him until we end up watching him week-in, week-out.

Steve Jones
15 Posted 09/05/2014 at 10:02:06

Andy... thinking about this a bit more now in light of what Martinez said about Barry being a manager one day, and what McCarthy has said in the past about how much he's learning from Barry, you could well be dead right there in what you say about his contribution off the pitch.

If in his third year he's not playing so much and we help get him through his coaching badges would it serve us to have him join the Finch Farm setup after his contract winds down? Is it worth keeping him on for the third year to keep hold of that experience and channel it into the training programme. Certainly heard worse ideas than that! Sign him up, Roberto!

Peter Morris
16 Posted 09/05/2014 at 10:14:15

All fair enough, I guess. Gareth has given us full value, and Man City have subsidised the cost. If indeed he does go for 'footballing' reasons-say for Champions League or indeed another culture/country, you can only wish a 33-year-old man and his family "All the Best!". If, on the other hand, he ends up at Spurs, well, that would be a different matter in my mind.

Andy Osborne
17 Posted 09/05/2014 at 10:50:12

Interesting point, Steve, about the coaching. Peter, I can't see him going to Spurs. Why? No CL, a dysfunctional team, and speculation about who the manger will be next season. It would only be for the money, and RM has said it's not about that for Barry.

Mike Childs
18 Posted 09/05/2014 at 11:11:09

I would think if it comes down to either a two- or three-year deal, I'd give him the three. If he does make the commitment to the club, he'd make an excellent vice captain. I think he has the quality to be a captain but held back this year because of his position of being a loanee.

Nicholas Page
19 Posted 09/05/2014 at 11:22:09

Not about money, my arse!

Kieran Fitzgerald
20 Posted 09/05/2014 at 11:32:29

I think this season has shown that Barry is exactly the type of player that a number of clubs would benefit from. Man Utd and the RS in the Northwest would benefit from having him on the pitch. Both could offer decent wages and the RS could offer CL football. For all we know, Man City may even decide he's worth keeping.

Arsenal could easily offer decent money as well as CL football but moving to London may not suit Barry if he has children. He may be happy to stay with us. If he has any sense though, he may wait to see what other offers come up.

Andrew Hawes
21 Posted 09/05/2014 at 12:06:40

I love the way Martinez is handling both the Lukaku and Barry situations. He is basically saying you are wanted here big time, you can further your careers here so the decision lies with you. Stay at Everton for footballing reasons or follow the money trail and benchwarm elsewhere??

I think both will be still here come August; if not, they have made decisions other than football so we will be better off without them.

Raymond Fox
22 Posted 09/05/2014 at 11:58:19

Feels to me that he will be off to pastures new, USA the most likely.

Roberto thinks it's not about money, I doubt that's the case, and you can't blame Barry for trying to squeeze as much money out of his final few years – he'll be a long time retired!

Brian Williams
23 Posted 09/05/2014 at 12:26:18

"It's not about the money"....another masterclass in pyschology from Roberto. Knows exactly what to say, which buttons to press, which positive thoughts to plant.............

Jim Bennings
24 Posted 09/05/2014 at 12:29:33

Yes Matt, I just think that Barry has been a real steadying influence on the whole team and you could imagine the younger lads such as Barkley and Stones looking to Barry for help and guidance.

I certainly think it's helped Barkley far more than having Heitinga behind him in the defensive midfield role.

Barry is very disciplined in what he does. Perhaps 33 in this day and age is not all that important either, especially when you have never relied on pace anyway.

Denis Richardson
25 Posted 09/05/2014 at 12:22:43

I would like for him to stay but can see him leaving. There are simply too many 'better' offers out there for him and he realistically only has another 2 (maybe 3) years left at the top.

I can only see him staying in the Prem if he has CL football next year, so if Arsenal were to come in for him, I would understand him moving there. If no CL football then I can see him moving to the US for something completely different (and still a larger pay packet than what we can probably offer).

Another season at GP with only the EL to offer is not quite the same when you've got your pick of pretty much anywhere... We will see how strong Bobby's powers of persuasion are.

One very good aspect to this is that, whatever the outcome, it will be decided early, so no fannying about for the next couple of months with the "will he?/won't he?" saga. If he decides to go, then so be it; we look for another.

James Stewart
26 Posted 09/05/2014 at 12:40:14

I've not really forgiven him for the blunder in the cup against Arsenal but he has had a good season. I don't think dropping big wages on 33-year-olds is the answer though.

Thanks for the memories but I would invest that money elsewhere as I'm not sure he has more than a season at most left in him.

Derek Thomas
27 Posted 09/05/2014 at 12:52:36

We took him from the relative obscurity (albeit well cushioned to the tune of £120k/wk obscurity) and gave him a footballing lifeline (which tbh he half paid back in his first game with that clearance).

If he stays, well, fairplay to him... 2 years with a 1-year option at max. If he goes, well, fuck off you mercenary twat.

And we revert to 'If you want loyalty, get a dog' mode.

Les Fitzpatrick
28 Posted 09/05/2014 at 13:01:25

It would be nice to see him stay another 2 years. It would cost approx £15 mill for a younger version of Barry. He's a great role model for the younger players at the club, and gives our other midfielders more freedom to be creative.

Come on, Gareth... you know it's make sense...

Malcolm Joyner
29 Posted 09/05/2014 at 13:08:21

Derek. I don't ever remember taking a job when money wasn't a major factor. Why should footballers be any different?

If Barry continues with us on reduced terms the arrangement will suit both parties but just when his standard of play starts to wane, you'll then be one of those saying 'fuck off, you useless twat' even if he was on buttons!

Footballers have a short working life and I don't blame any of them for making what they can. Just wish I was one of them!

Jamie Barlow
30 Posted 09/05/2014 at 14:57:22

This short working life for top players doesn't wash with me. Maybe 20 years ago but Barry has probably earnt more than £3 million this year alone.

Shane Corcoran
31 Posted 09/05/2014 at 15:20:08

I reckon it depends on his outlook on life and his family situation.

If I were him and had no emotional ties to Everton I might well take up an option of a move to a sunny climate for a year or too if there was that option.

If his family are settled then I think he should stay at Everton. He's probably at a club that suits him more than any other in the PL with the benefit of knowing the team and club for the past year.

I'd like to think that he'd take a fall in pay although a 50%+ decrease is a big comedown even if it still means a five figure weekly sum.

Jay Harris
32 Posted 09/05/2014 at 16:03:02

We have to remember he is available on a FREE so we would have to spend 6 to 10 million to get a player with his ability and experience.
Plus he has fitted well into our system of playing and knows the squad well now and is therefore a safe bet for a year or two.

He would also probably develop into a decent coach.

I would offer him a 3 year contract on "reasonable" terms.

John English
33 Posted 09/05/2014 at 17:35:20

I can see him moving to Aston Villa although he doesn't really fit with what Lambert is doing down there with young kids getting a game... Mind you, saying that, it hasn't exactly worked out well with kids for Villa has it?

I'd love to see him stay with us, get his badges and join the coaching squad. Who knows... in a few years, if Martinez gets a bigger job as we've hit our glass ceiling (again!), he'd be ready to step into his lovely brown loafers....

By the way, what do you call a spaniard with a rubber toe?

Roberto!

Colin Glassar
34 Posted 10/05/2014 at 13:29:47

Give him a two-year contract with a yearly option(s) afterwards. The likes of Pirlo, Maldini, Seedorf, Lampard, Sheringham, Distin etc... have clearly shown that if a player looks after himself he can play on for years after the sell-by date.

We are not Arsenal and their suicidal Logan's Run policy.

Ste Traverse
35 Posted 11/05/2014 at 01:30:14

Some Bgo on about Gareth being 33-years-old. But he never had much pace as a 22-year-old. He's a clever player who can easily play at this level for at least two more years.

He's done a top job for us this season. Barry is experienced, knows his role in the side to perfection, has obviously fitted in well with the squad, and is hugely respected by Roberto.

Ste Traverse
36 Posted 11/05/2014 at 01:35:45

I really hope he stays with us.

Jimmy Hill
37 Posted 11/05/2014 at 09:17:02

He's done well for us. What ever decision he makes I wish him luck. Can't see an intelligent man like him go to Spurs.

Add Your Comments

In order to post a comment, you need to be logged in as a registered user of the site.

» Log in now

Or Sign up as a ToffeeWeb Member — it's free, takes just a few minutes and will allow you to post your comments on articles and Talking Points submissions across the site.

About these ads