Osman: Toffees must stick with star Richarlison

LEON OSMAN says Everton have a big decision to make if Barcelona come calling for Richarlison again.

The Brazil international was a £35million arrival from Watford in 2018 and has established himself as a key player for the Toffees.

And his 26 goals in 68 games for the Merseysiders have not gone unnoticed on the continent, with the Catalans interested.

Barca were sniffing around in January and the 22-year-old was linked with an £85m departure.

The defending La Liga champions need a long-term replacement for Luis Suarez and Richarlison has been earmarked as a potential option.

Osman – who made more than 400 appearances for Everton – reckons Carlo Ancelotti will find it hard to turn down a mega offer from the Nou Camp heavyweights.

“If Barcelona come in with a massive bid for Richarlison, it will create a big question at the club,” he said.

“The owners and the manager will have to sit down and assess the situation.

“Do Everton want to be a team that are using the money from that transfer to rebuild a squad or do they want to be a team that is wanting players to come in? Do we want to be renowned as a team that is keeping the best players and getting stronger?

“I personally would want to see Richarlison stay. I think if you are going to improve you’ve got to keep your best players and try to add to that.

“You don’t want to be sending a message out that you’re prepared to sell players on.”

Ancelotti was snapped up in December following Marco Silva’s sacking.

Glory

Performances have improved under the experienced Italian chief, who secured Premier League glory with Chelsea in 2010.

Everton sit 12th in the table and Osman believes the only way is up.

“Ancelotti’s record spoke for itself before he joined the club,” he added.

“But his manner, his aura, the way he approaches individual players and then the bigger picture tactically and moving forward, seems absolutely fantastic.

“Everybody I’ve spoken to within the club will only sing his praises and that’s been reflected in results, except for the Chelsea game.”

Leon Osman was speaking on behalf of Gentingbet