Jamie Redknapp thinks that Everton should be ready to sell Ross Barkley this summer.
Sky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp
Pundit Jamie Redknapp has told the Daily Mail that he thinks Everton should look to cash in on Ross Barkley this summer – and must target Swansea City’s Gylfi Sigurdsson as his replacement.
The Toffees beat Watford 1-0 on Friday evening to end a three-game winless run, and they will be looking to end the season on a high when they travel to take on Arsenal next weekend.
Ronald Koeman’s men had Ross Barkley to thank for the goal, with the midfielder collecting Phil Jagielka’s pass before turning and driving towards goal, smashing a long-range drive into the net.
It was a sample of what Barkley can do when at his best, and his tally for the season now stands at five goals and eight assists in the Premier League, amid questions over his long-term future at Goodison Park.
The youth academy product has just one year left on his contract with Everton, meaning that the Toffees may be forced to cash in whilst they still can this summer – and manager Koeman has told Barkley that he will be sold unless he puts pen to paper on a new deal (BBC Sport).
Everton’s Ross Barkley in action against Watford
Now, pundit Jamie Redknapp has told the Daily Mail that he has been impressed with Koeman’s handling of the situation, but suggested that Everton should be ready to cash in on the England international to the tune of a £25million fee.
Redknapp also went on to suggest that Swansea City star Gylfi Sigurdsson would be the perfect signing to replace Barkley should he leave, having racked up nine goals and 13 assists for the Swans this term.
Swansea City’s Gylfi Sigurdsson celebrates
Sky Sports reported on Friday that Everton are hoping to buy the Icelandic playmaker, 27, for £25million, and Redknapp’s comments suggest that he would wholeheartedly back such a move from the Toffees.
“I’ve been impressed with how Ronald Koeman has handled the situation with Ross Barkley’s contract,” said Redknapp. “He has been up front in giving Barkley an ultimatum and if the midfielder does not want to sign, Everton should be ready to cash in. Even though Barkley is entering the final year of his contract, Everton should still expect to get £25million for him.”
“Gylfi Sigurdsson would be the perfect replacement. Sigurdsson has great vision, assisting 13 goals for Swansea this season — five more than Barkley and second only to Kevin De Bruyne, who has 15. Six of his assists have been for Fernando Llorente, making the pair the League’s most lethal duo. Sigurdsson should be playing for a top team,” he added.
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