Phil Jagielka
The ageing centre-half has already lost his first team place in the side and was almost a goner last month after numerous clubs, especially Sunderland, pursued him till the last day. But, with Bryan Oviedo gone, Koeman had to keep the former skipper as a backup option in the centre-half position.
The 34-year-old joined Goodison Park from Sheffield United back in 2007, when David Moyes was the Everton manager. He has played 314 games for the Toffees so far and has 40 caps for England. Although at 34, he is nearing his career’s end, we expect the former leader to retire in a more respectful manner. And with clubs like Sunderland and Bournemouth visibly struggling at the back, we expect Jagielka to move away from Merseyside for one last big season before he hangs up his boots.
Romelu Lukaku
No Everton fan would be willing to part ways with their best forward, but his time at the club is very limited. A terrific centre-forward of his stature will do much better with a bigger club and he has already realised it. He was very close to re-joining Chelsea last summer but Koeman convinced him to stay at the last moment.
And although Everton have shown ambition in bringing players of late and they have a great shot at qualifying for the Europa League at the end of this season, if Chelsea or Manchester United come calling, it would be difficult to refuse them. The Belgium international has scored 79 goals in 154 appearances, which is better than most highly-rated forward in the Premier League. This has been the 23-year-old’s most productive so far in his last four seasons with the club and it has been enough to attract many top clubs. And with Koeman already acknowledging the fact Lukaku deserves to play for a better club, the manager is expected to let him go if the right offer comes.
Gareth Barry
The 36-year-old is still seen making Everton’s first team quite often. His brilliant sense of positioning has led him to be so productive even at this age. However, with Morgan Schneiderlin added to the already set core of James McCarthy, Tom Davies, Idrissa Gueye and Muhamed Besic when he gets fit, Barry doesn’t see his place in the midfielder anymore.
And if Everton decides to retain Tom Cleverley at the end of the season, then the position further tightens. Barry still has some mileage left in himself and could be a handy option for numerous Premier League clubs. He could also follow the footprints of Steven Gerrard and David Beckham.
