According to reports, North London giants Tottenham Hotspur are increasingly likely to be the next destination for Everton’s Ross Barkley, in a move that would lessen all the fury of the fans that has been accumulating over the summer owing to their barren transfer activities. Following their failure to land Gylfi Sigurdsson from Swansea City, getting in Barkley would be the next best thing for the Spurs.
Spurs have a magnificent attack in the league with the likes of Christian Eriksen, Dele Alli, Heung Min Son, Harry Kane and Mousa Dembele all making them one of the most dangerous sides to play against. But the biggest concerns for Pochettino has been their backup in that position and more importantly, competition for the established stars.
While the young players still need less encouragement to go out there and give their best, it is only a matter of time before complacency creeps in. And for a side like the Lilywhites, who have been quite wary of the long-term solutions in the transfer market, a player like Barkley could make all the difference. The attacking midfielder brings in urgency to a side more than anything.
His contract with the Merseyside club ends next season, which means he will be allowed to sign a pre-season contract in January itself. Everton’s purchase of Sigurdsson means they are ready to dispose of the English youngster in this summer and had to reportedly decrease the asking price by half. Apparently, Everton have been forced to reduce Barkley’s price to £25million following the lack of interest in the player throughout the summer.
His ongoing hamstring injury further worsens things for the Toffees. The arrival of Davy Klaassen from AFC Ajax has made Barkley’s position quite uncertain at Goodison Park and his decision to stall a contract renewal last season-end could now back fire ahead of the World Cup season.
An academy product of Everton, Barkley has been a fan favourite for the side since breaking into the senior squad back in 2011. In the 179 games he played for them so far, the forward has scored 27 goals and provided 28 assists. An attacking midfielder by nature, Koeman was seen using him on the right wing, left wing and even in the central midfield at times last season.
He had scored five goals and assisted eight times last term, teaming up with Romelu Lukaku up front as Everton finished seventh to qualify for the Europa League. Barkley is a complete midfielder with an instinct of that of a hunter. Whether it is dribbling or finding incisive through balls or taking long-range shots or finishing, he excels in all.
With the likes of Kane, Eriksen and Alli alongside, Spurs could be a formidable opponent in the league this season.
