Transfer Centre

Ronald Koeman hints at Gareth Barry departure

By Matt Law, Football Editor | 14 August 2017

Everton boss Ronald Koeman says that he would not stand in Gareth Barry's way if the midfielder wanted to leave Goodison Park this summer.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman has revealed that he would allow Gareth Barry to leave Goodison Park this summer if the experienced midfielder expressed his unhappiness.

Barry, 36, has made more than 150 appearances for Everton since joining the club, initially on loan, in 2013.

Last season, the experienced midfielder appeared in 33 of the Toffees' 38 Premier League matches, although it is understood that Koeman's summer spending spree has placed Barry's future in doubt.

Koeman has insisted that he is not actively looking to sell the former England international, but the Dutchman would not stand in Barry's way if he wanted to seek pastures new.

"It depends. If players are unhappy... Gareth is a great professional and I'm happy if he will stay but if he will like to move, OK, we will see what happens. I don't know. At the moment we don't have to make that decision," Koeman told the Liverpool Echo.

Barry, who has been linked with a move to West Bromwich Albion, was not included in the Everton squad for Saturday's Premier League clash against Stoke City due to an ankle problem.