It’s a period of transition at the moment for Everton and it’s safe to say that exciting times lie ahead.
However, that hasn’t stopped speculation from mounting regarding their current prized assets and one man that has been heavily linked with a move away from the club in the recent weeks has been Ross Barkley.
Just today, Toffees boss Ronald Koeman affirmed his position regarding the ongoing contract saga with the England international and made it clear that if he didn’t want to commit to the club, he’d be heading out the door.
Twitter: RK on Barkley contract: “Ross is a boy from Everton and what we need to show to him are the best reasons to stay.” (@ReadEverton)
Twitter: RK on Barkley: “He needs to sign a new deal with one year left, otherwise you sell the player.” (@ReadEverton)
Barkley is a fans’ favourite at Goodison Park and the Everton faithful will most certainly want the club to keep hold of the midfielder.
However, if he does leave the club, he’ll need replacing. So here are some potential replacements for Barkley if he does indeed depart Everton in the summer!
Hakim Ziyech
Ziyech is an excellent technical player and he’s been showing that in the Eredivisie with Twente and Ajax respectively over the years. He’d provide a lot of quality from set-pieces, on the counter-attack and in unlocking the opposition’s defence.
Dusan Tadic
Koeman knows Tadic from his time at Southampton and although he’s been starting regularly, he’s been rotated often this season with Sofiane Boufal. He could fancy a reunion with his old boss.
Rafa Silva
Rafa has always been a player with vast potential and undoubtedly has the quality to change a game. He’s currently at Benfica and would provide pace, trickery and cutting edge.
Gylfi Sigurdsson
Sigurdsson has shown his quality time and time again for Swansea and would certainly be an excellent signing for Everton. He’s a brilliant long-distance shooter, has superb vision and change a game on his own.
Davy Klaassen
Klaassen has been consistently impressive for Ajax, chipping in with goals and assists. He could now be ready for a move to the Premier League and if he joined Everton, he’d add a different dimension to their play.
Nicolae Stanciu
Stanciu has impressed at international level with Romania many times and during his time with Steaua Bucharest, he was labelled as the best player in his homeland. He’s not had quite the same effect at Anderlecht but has a lot of creative talent.
Wayne Rooney
Last but not least… Rooney would be a good replacement. Speculation has been rife surrounding a potential move back to Everton and there could be a chance that he does come in.