Koeman says Barkley is 100% leaving Everton – but where does he go?
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Ronald Koeman is a remarkably frank and honest man in this modern world of football.
In today’s press conference the Everton boss revealed he 100% expects Ross Barkley to leave this summer.
The Dutchman also explained how Barkley is seeking a new challenge, and that the England international rejected Everton’s offer of a new deal.
But while it seems certain the midfielder will now quit Goodison Park, where does he go?
Our odds have Tottenham Hotspur as the clear frontrunners at 4/6.
A move to White Hart Lane is probably Barkley’s only realistic option of a step-up in the Premier League.
But there is a good chance Tottenham won’t offer the 23-year-old the wages he might desire, and equally, he won’t be Mauricio Pochettino’s first XI week-in week-out.
Perhaps these are things Barkley is willing to overlook for the chance of playing Champions League football and maybe a greater shot at the Premier League.
If not, however, then his options aren’t looking great.
Arsenal are second in the betting, but odds of 5/1 don’t exactly scream done deal. All the noise from the Gunners has been of their pursuit of other players, notably Thomas Lemar at Monaco.
Could Chelsea be an option at 7/1? It seems unlikely that Barkley would do much to enhance a squad already blessed with Eden Hazard and Pedro.
But the Blues haven’t done much shopping this summer, and it was claimed this week that Antonio Conte is after four more players.
Equally, what would Barkley offer Manchester United (6/1) that Jose Mourinho doesn’t already have?
The Red Devils already boast Juan Mata, Jesse Lingard, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial, while Ivan Perisic remains their primary target.
Jessica Bridge of Ladbrokes said: “It’s a case of when and not if Barkley departs Goodison, and the latest odds suggest Spurs will finally make a signing this summer by securing his services.”
Depending on the fee, West Ham United could well be interested at 8/1. The Hammers showed their potential with seventh in 2015-16, and Barkley could be the focal point of Slaven Bilic’s side.
Ladbrokes Latest Betting:
Ross Barkley club after summer transfer window
Tottenham Hotspur – 4/6
Arsenal – 5/1
Manchester United – 6/1
Chelsea – 7/1
West Ham United – 8/1
Manchester City – 16/1
Leicester City – 16/1
AC Milan – 20/1
Newcastle United – 20/1
Click here for all the latest summer transfer odds.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
