Daily Mail’s football reporter Dominic King has made a bold claim on his twitter handle regarding the Everton future of 36-year-old Gareth Barry.
Contrary to reports, the veteran midfielder and 2016-17 Everton Player of the Season won’t be leaving Goodison Park this summer, as he remains a huge part of boss Ronald Koeman’s plans for the coming season.
West Brom have been linked with an interest in the Englishman, as they reckoned Everton would consider him surplus to requirements following additions made to midfield.
This, though, appears not to be the case, and we should see Barry become Premier League’s record holder for most games as an Everton player next season.
He is currently 5 games behind Ryan Giggs’ 632. The Ex-Aston Villa and Manchester City man was an unused substitute during Thursday’s 1-nil victory in the Europa League 3rd round qualifier against Ruzomberok.
Barry now has the likes of Davy Klaassen, Idrissa Gueye and Michael Schneiderlin to contend with for playing minutes.
He made 33 EPL appearances last term – 10 off the bench, and while there would be a significant drop in his playing time next term, his expertise in regulating play can always be counted on whenever action beckons.
