Everton return to Premier League action against Manchester City on Monday night, and ahead of the game, Gareth Barry has sent a transfer message to his old club
Jarrad Branthwaite celebrates scoring the first goal with Dwight McNeil and James Garner during Everton's Premier League win over Newcastle United at St James' Park. Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Jarrad Branthwaite celebrates scoring the first goal with Dwight McNeil and James Garner during Everton's Premier League win over Newcastle United at St James' Park. Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
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Gareth Barry believes Everton must keep hold of Jarrad Branthwaite, James Garner and Iliman Ndiaye as they are capable of playing at the highest level.
The Blues remain in the mix for European football next season despite being without a win in their last three Premier League games. However, Branthwaite has been the subject of transfer speculation from both Manchester United and Liverpool in the past.
While both Garner and Ndiaye have been linked with moves to Old Trafford this summer as United look to revamp their midfield.
But former Everton midfielder Barry, speaking via Midnite, believes keeping hold of Branthwaite, Garner and Ndiaye will be key to his old club competing at the top end of the table next season.
“I thought it would be a real tough year going into a new stadium, Goodison was incredible in how many points it won them in tough moments,” the former England international said.
“But he’s done well, adapted to the new stadium, the away form has been incredible. They still have a chance of finishing in a high position in the Premier League.
“It feels like he has that right balance. Ndiaye is an incredible player, he will be desperate to keep him.
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 24: David Moyes, Manager of Everton, speaks to Iliman Ndiaye of Everton (obscured) during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on November 24, 2025 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
David Moyes speaks to Iliman Ndiaye during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford in November(Image: Alex Livesey/Getty Images)
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“David Moyes will already be looking to strengthen for next season and going again, which is what a club like Everton needs to be doing, trying to push up.
“The stadium was always the thing they needed to get done. If you keep players like Ndiaye, Garner and Braithwaite, players who are capable of playing at the top level.
“If you can keep them and just add into it, that is the hard thing for any manager. Moyes has been there and done it before.
“From players who have played under him, they just enjoy his style, his man-management. I don’t think he complicates things too much, he keeps things pretty simple and is just a good manager to play under.
“And we spoke about this with Chelsea, if a player is settled, knows what their manager wants it is key to performing consistently.”