At least that’s what Farhad Moshiri has claimed while speaking at the Toffees’ Annual General Meeting at Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall this evening.
Barkley racked up 179 first-team appearances for Everton after coming through their youth ranks and making his debut against QPR in August 2011.
His time at Goodison Park came to an end last Friday though when Chelsea snapped him up in a £15m deal after he refused to sign a new contract.
Allardyce had conceded numerous times that Everton had likely lost Barkley prior to the move being completed.
However, it seems that in private the veteran gaffer made an attempt to stop the 24-year-old jumping ship.
“Ross was the most painful [departure],” said Moshiri.
“I said last year we had three stars, Ross, Romelu [Lukaku] and John Stones but they’ve all gone.
“For sixth months we couldn’t find the agent [of Ross].
“Bill [Kenwright] miraculously got an offer of £35m for a player who was going to be a free agent but he didn’t want to go when he was injured.
“Sam spoke to him but he wouldn’t stay.”
Allardyce opened up on Barkley’s exit while reflecting on why Everton sold Romelu Lukaku without securing a replacement.
“I’ve been at seven Premier League clubs,” he said.
“You can’t let a player with two years left on his contract – who will refuse to sign a new deal – to stay on.
“You must cash in. As we’ve seen with Ross Barkley.
“You had to maximise the value of that player by letting him go down to 18 months of his contract.”
Barkley will only get the chance to face Everton this season if Chelsea draw them in the FA Cup.