It’s been fascinating to watch Ross Barkley’s rise and rise this season. The young British midfielder’s reputation has grown exponentially following a series of spectacular performances. And now that we’re in the middle of the January transfer window things are finally coming to ahead.
According to a bizarre story in The Mirror, Manchester United are ‘plotting a sensational’ £50m bid for the Everton star. Such a move would absolutely smash The Red Devil’s current transfer record.
Let’s try to put things in perspective. When Cesc Fabregas was at his peak, he moved to Barcelona as part of a £34m deal. Mario Gotze moved to Bayern Munich for a similar price. Real Madrid spent 30m euros on Spanish starlet Isco. Finally, there’s Mesut Ozil, who cost Arsenal £42.4m.
Do you see the point I’m making here? Most of the players listed above moved when they were playing their best football. Ross Barkley, on the other hand, is still learning his trade. He’s got all the qualities necessary to succeed, but he still lacks confidence in front of goal. What’s more, his decision making in the final third is a real mixed bag.
We all know what he can offer. He’s got superb technical ability, isn’t afraid to take players on and he’s physically and mentally tough. But does he really offer £50m of raw potential? I’m not so sure.
Of course, it could be argued that a player is worth whatever an opposition club is willing to pay for him. If Manchester United are willing to spend this kind of money, then so be it.
But if they’re willing to spend big, then I can’t see why they’re not interested in players like Ilkay Gundogan (currently making waves at Borussia Dortmund), Koke (who’s been guiding Atletico Madrid up the La Liga table this season) or Wesley Sneijder (who must already be growing tired of Turkish football at Galatasaray).
All of these players would have a smaller price-tag than Ross Barkley. I’d also argue that they’re all (with the possible exception of Koke) further along their respective development paths.
Everton are clearly keen to keep hold of their young British talent. What’s more, I can’t help but feel that Goodison Park is the best place for him at this current moment. With all this in mind, perhaps its best that Manchester United let sleeping dogs lie.
What’s your take? Should Manchester United spend big on Ross Barkley, or stay well clear?
Please follow @ThePerfectPass for more football related action!
ThisisFutbol.com are seeking new writers to join the team! If you’re passionate about football, drop us a line at “thisisfutbol.com@snack-media.com” to learn more.
As Martinez said, “How much? 50 million? No, we won’t be letting anyone go on loan”
Get over yourselves
Lacks confidence in front of goal ! I don’t think so.
Don’t waste the cost of a phone call Moyse !! Ross Barkley may not spend his whole career at Everton but he will be there for a good few seasons yet. There is a massive difference in both clubs status since Fergies Man Utd were able to entice Rooney to Old Trafford,as well as the money and champs league football Utd had top players like Ronaldo, Scholes, Neville, Giggs, Ferdinand that he would be learning from as well as adding his own qualities to the top team in the country and one of the top 4 in Europe. I am not saying Utd don’t have good players but they are nowhere near the standard of those players. Everton have a young hungry ambitious manager who is putting together a team of skillful young ambitious players who are already challenging at the top end of the prem. Wayne Rooney’s career could not wait for Everton to develop, Ross Barkley does not have that problem, he is one of many talented young players in a team that is about to achieve great things under Martinez.
This kid is unreal. Good on and off the ball. It would lift the club also, the same effect Ozil had on Arsenal. Remember they got beat off Aston Villa at home before that signing. We need a lift. It’s not Moyes fault, we just look flat. Phil Manc Red …GGMU
Why go to united? They are not the club they were. Everton are a better team with the best manager in the league. Going to united would be for financial gain only as i doubt this time next year they will be in the champions league, where as everton………
I’m sorry but £50m is just not enough. Martinez has already said that £50m wouldn’t even get him on loan. Ross is going to be worth more to Everton than Gareth Bale and in the unlikely event that he does go in a few years time then records will have to be smashed to get him.
Personally I don’t think Barkley would want to play for moyes again. Let’s not forget carling cup v Leeds last season Barkley got a start in a central midfield role, didn’t have the best of games and got banished to the reserves for the rest of the season.martinez comes in with more tactical awareness and plays to his strengths.