Tim Cahill believes Everton's failed summer move for Folarin Balogun is a "blessing in disguise" because Thierno Barry has now been given a chance to prove himself.
United States international Balogun, 25, was set to join David Moyes' side from Monaco on a permanent deal worth £38.5million plus £4.3m in add-ons. Despite having his medical, Balogun decided against the move and left the club's Finch Farm training ground without signing.
Barry handed first-choice role
With Beto moving to Fiorentina, it left Everton with Barry as their only recognised senior centre forward after the summer transfer window closed. Although the free agent market is still open, they have stuck with Barry and intend to use him as their first-choice No.9 until at least January.
After watching Barry's work-rate and enthusiasm in training, ex-Everton front man Cahill is glad the Blues didn't end up landing Balogun's signature. The Australian believes it has now given Barry, 23, a real shot to become Everton's main man for a number of years, as there is no competition for his place.
Cahill's verdict on Barry
He told the BBC: "I think when you look at the situation of missing out on Balogun, I think it’s a blessing in disguise, because there was a lot of uncertainty around the transfer, and it’s given Barry the opportunity to show himself."
"I was at the game against Wolves, and one of the good things about Barry, and even I went to training and I watched training, is he tries hard and he does give everything. And we know it as footballers, when you’re playing for Everton, it’s not going your way. It doesn’t matter what you do, there’s always that expectation from the fans."
"But the main thing is, it doesn’t matter who plays from the 21, it matters that everyone’s giving everything."
Fan backlash and Moyes response
Despite this, Everton and its owners The Freidkin Group received strong backlash from supporters at the lack of summer transfer business and leaving Moyes with just one first-team striker at the club.
Speaking after fans were frustrated at the club's end to the summer, Moyes said: "I must stress the importance of us all pulling together."
"We need to be strong again and there may be occasions when we have to find a way to get through some difficult moments. It is something you have all done in recent seasons. Everyone has pulled together for the good of the football club and we may need to do so again."
Everton have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the Premier League season, having won two and drawn three of their opening five matches. They sit seventh in the table going into the first international break.
Barry, meanwhile, scored the winner in Everton's 1-0 win against Ipswich Town last Saturday and now has five goals in seven appearances across all competitions this season.
