Ronald Koeman should make a move for Swansea City’s Gylfi Sigurdsson if Ross Barkley leaves the club.
Swansea City’s Gylfi Sigurdsson
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has made it clear that he wants Ross Barkley to stay at the club, but he will be sold if he does not sign a new deal.
The 23-year-old England international has a year left on his contract, and he is yet to sign a new deal with Everton.
Barkley, the local lad, who progressed through the Everton academy, has scored five goals and provided eight assists this season.
“We offer him a new contract, and there are two possibilities,” said Koeman, as quoted by BBC Sport.
“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.”
Everton should make Gylfi Sigurdsson’s signing a priority
If Barkley leaves the club, which is a high possibility, Everton should not look to sign a like for like replacement.
Barkley is a typical box to box midfielder whose game is based on energy and drive from midfield. However, in an attempt to do it all by himself, he lacks tactical discipline and that can be frustrating at times.
Another drawback feature about Barkley’s game is his poor decision making, a reason why he doesn’t score enough goals nor sets up for others.
According to the Daily Mail, Everton are ready to reignite their interest in Sigurdsson this summer, as Koeman reportedly is a fan of the player.
Sigurdsson is exactly opposite to what Barkley is – he is tactically flexible, can play in all three positions across the midfield, has a very good positional awareness, brilliant with his set piece deliveries, and most importantly comes up with crucial goals.
He is the central creative force for Swansea City, and has scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in the Premier League this season.
If Swansea get relegated, Sigurdsson could be tempted to leave the club and continue playing in the Premier League. And certainly, he would find an offer from Everton hard to refuse.
He may not be a like for like replacement for Barkley, but definitely a more complete package. He is someone who can be relied upon, and definitely would bring quality to this Everton side.
Should Everton make a move for Sigurdsson in the summer?
Swansea City’s Gylfi Sigurdsson
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