Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern have enjoyed a fine debut season under the guidance of Ronald Koeman, and they’re optimistic of a strong campaign in the Europa League next season.
The Merseyside outfit’s return to European competition means the Toffees’ squad will be heavily tested and Koeman faces a big test this summer to bolster his squad, especially with speculation persisting to surround the futures of their star-men.
Fans in the bar aren’t optimistic of keeping the core members of their squad at Goodison Park and they’re preparing to say goodbye to two big names, as they’ve told our landlord they don’t rate their chances of keeping the pair at the club and want a deal to be approved swiftly.
Everton can expect a major increase in their transfer budget from the sale of these two men in the summer and will have plenty of room to draft in replacements – but our regulars want deals to be completed quickly to give them a better chance of settling next season.
Our landlord has listed the TWO Everton players Everton fans will surely have to say bye to this summer…..
Ross Barkley
The England international is locked in negotiations regarding a new deal with the Merseyside giants but does not seem set to extend his deal at Goodison Park, with Ronald Koeman’s side making it clear he will be sold this summer if he doesn’t put pen to paper.
With reported interest from top-tier clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal who may be able to offer Champions League football ahead of the World Cup next summer, Barkley is increasingly likely to wave goodbye to the Toffees.
As an England ace, Everton can expect an increased fee for his signature and would have plenty of money to draft in a replacement.
Romelu Lukaku
Another player reluctant to sign a new deal and likely to leave is Belgian ace Romelu Lukaku, who has seemingly outgrown the Toffees and is keen to play in the Champions League – something that Everton won’t be able to offer anytime soon.
Like Barkley, Everton can expect a huge price for the Premier League’s top-scorer but a sale is likely to come back to haunt the Toffees, as Lukaku is likely to remain within English football with Chelsea the most likely to secure his services.
Lukaku would be a major loss for the Toffees but his exit seems inevitable and Everton need to accept he’s off and find a replacement swiftly.
