Everton decided against signing Enner Valencia on a permanent basis from West Ham after a disappointing loan spell at Goodison Park.
Enner Valencia celebrates one of only three goals he scored for Everton
Enner Valencia may not be the most reliable of goalscorers but why West Ham let him leave for Premier League rivals Everton, on a season-long loan no less, is anyone’s guess.
After all, The Hammers were forced to stumble through the season with the fitness of Andy Carroll and Diafra Sacko as sporadic as ever, leaving ill-fitting Argentine Jonathan Calleri leading the line. He scored once all season.
West Ham United’s Jonathan Calleri was supposed to be an upgrade on Valencia
However, according to the Liverpool Echo, Valencia has not done enough to convince Everton that he should stay there either.
Manager Ronald Koeman only started the Ecuadorian international five times in the Premier League last season. And, although his pace and directness made him a useful weapon off the bench, it’s difficult to argue that the club should have considered paying the £11 million required to turn his loan deal permanent this summer.
Escape route
However, in a strange quirk of fate, Valencia could be playing Champions League football next season while seventh-placed Everton are forced to go gallivanting around Europe on Thursday nights.
Because Fotospor claim that Turkish giants Besiktas are considering offering Valencia a route out of England this summer. And, possibly, a first taste of Europe’s premiere club competition with the Istanbul outfit qualifying directly for the Champions League group stage after winning the title for the second season in a row.
The report claims that Arsenal’s forgotten man Joel Campbell, Watford youngster Obbi Oulare and Sunderland outcast Jeremain Lens are also on Besiktas’ radar.
Jeremain Lens enjoyed a fine season with Istanbul rivals Fenerbahce
A permanent departure from the Premier League appears to be the best option available to Valencia.
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