The Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern have been reacting to the news that Ross Barkley looks set to join Chelsea very shortly.
Despite the fact that Barkley opted against a move to Chelsea in the summer, the Evertonian now looks destined to complete a move to Stamford Bridge this month. According to reports in The Sun, Barkley is in London today for a medical ahead of a proposed £15 million move to Chelsea.
Naturally, the Everton fans are disappointed to lose their academy product for a relatively cheap price in the context of the current market – even considering the fact that he was set to become a free agent next summer.
However, The Toffees main grievance so far relates to Chelsea striker Michy Batshuayi, as they believe the Everton hierarchy should have brought the Belgian striker to the club as part of the deal.
Of course, it is completely plausible that Chelsea were only willing to part with cash for Barkley’s services, but the reaction from the Everton fans is also understandable given their current level of attacking options.
Everton only have two strikers currently on their books – namely Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Oumar Niasse – and neither have firmly cemented themselves as Allardyce’s first-choice striker just yet.
Considering Batshuayi looks to be surplus to requirements at Stamford Bridge, it is easy to understand why the supporters are feeling aggrieved by his omission from the Barkley deal.
Here’s what the Everton fans had to say about their club’s failure to bring Batshuayi to Goodison Park…
Everton could really take charge of the Barkley situation by demanding Michy Batshuayi in exchange.
He's seemingly surplus at Chelsea and that swap would see us improve rather than weaken. #EFC
— Ell Bretland (@EllBretland) January 4, 2018
Not sure why Everton don’t utilise the Barkley deal to their advantage, and ask for Batshuayi. Win/Win for both clubs.
— FPL Bonus Points (@BonusFPL) January 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/EvertonNewsFeed/status/949051904939712512
Why are Everton not putting forward an offer of swapping Barkley for Batshuayi? Makes complete sense to both clubs
— James Dermott (@james_dermott) January 5, 2018
I’m fine with @Everton letting Ross Barkley walk if he doesn’t want to be there, but you’ve gotta get someone in return like a Batshuayi.
— Luke (@LukeAtMeNow23) January 5, 2018
https://twitter.com/MJ3669/status/949085545799585793
Surely Everton gotta be swapping Barkley for batshuayi. #goodbusiness @Carra23 ???
— Neil Odwyer (@odwyer_neil) January 5, 2018
Not sure how possible it is, but surely Everton will enquire about batshuayi in some sort of deal involving Barkley.
— Ryan Reynolds (@Reynolds_R) January 4, 2018
https://twitter.com/Efc12Evans/status/949052335396917250
