Everton’s Ross Barkley (Picture: Reuters)

It seems too shocking to be true; £50 million for a kid who has barely scratched the surface of the Premier League.

But if the reports are true about Manchester United’s interest in Ross Barkley, Everton have to listen.

Despite any protests from Bill Kenwright and Roberto Martinez, the sale of Barkley could be the right thing to do.

It is no hyperbole to say that Barkley has been one of the three most important players of the season for Everton.


Between Barkley, Gareth Barry, and Romelu Lukaku, Everton have finished the calendar year in the top four, and are poised to continue that form through the end of the season.



As much as it could hurt to lose Barkley though, the money from his sale could fund Everton for years to come. Despite the appearance of health, this is a somewhat fragile Everton squad.

Martinez is going to need another center-back or two in the near future. Distin is into his mid-30’s, and Jagielka is getting up in age.

In the center of the pitch, Gareth Barry will be in his 30’s as well, assuming he even returns to Goodison next year. Pienaar has also shown some signs of decline as well.

It would also be remiss to leave out Leighton Baines. As much as Evertonians love him, he is getting a bit older as well.

This is why that £50 million could be so important. At Everton the money could easily mean another 6-7 players. Not only does that cover replacing some aging players, but it also allows the club to strengthen a squad that isn’t particularly deep.

If Everton can not make the Champions League, this could be the way to finally secure that berth.

The best thing for Everton would be to let this season play out. If Everton can hold Barkley for the next 19 fixtures, they could re-evaluate selling him during the summer, when it is easier to rebuild a squad and Everton would already know if they are in the Champions League.

That said, Kenwright still has to listen to a United offer of this magnitude, even if it isn’t at the best time of year.

MORE: Club Metro