Leeds United are set to sign Everton defender Matthew Pennington.
Leeds United are set to sign Everton defender Matthew Pennington on a season-long loan deal, according to the Yorkshire Evening Post.
The Whites have already added a host of new faces this summer, with Felix Wiedwald, Vurnon Anita, Mateusz Klich, Madger Gomes, Samu Saiz, Hadi Sacko, Ezgjan Alioski and Caleb Ekuban all arriving at Elland Road.
However, having seen Kyle Bartley return to Swansea City at the end of his loan deal, manager Thomas Christiansen has desperately needed centre back options, with only Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper his recognised choices right now.
Everton’s Matthew Pennington
Yet, with Pennington on his way to Elland Road, Christiansen will now have another defensive option to call upon – and he appears to be highly rated at Everton.
Pennington, 22, has been on the books at Goodison Park since the age of 11, making nine appearances for the Everton first team, whilst he has also spent time out on loan with Tranmere Rovers, Coventry City and Walsall.
The defender – who can play at centre back or right back – spent most of last season in the Everton Under-23’s, and he earned huge praise from boss David Unsworth for a faultless display against Arsenal in February.
Unsworth suggested that his performance in that game was the best he had seen at that level of football, before also telling the club’s official website that Pennington is back to his best after a major injury, and his workaholic nature makes him one of the most impressive young players at Everton.
Everton coach David Unsworth
“At the back, Matthew Pennington was faultless,” said Unsworth. “It was probably the best performance I’ve ever seen from a central defender at this level. He really is back to form now and I’m very pleased for him after what was a horrendous injury.”
“He epitomises everything that I like to see in young players – he’s a workaholic, a learner and he’s a smashing lad. You want the good guys to do well, and he certainly is one of them,” he added.
At almost 23, Pennington needs to be playing, and Leeds can give him an opportunity to impress in the Championship. Yet, not only do Unsworth’s comments show what Leeds fans can expect from Pennington, but also show just how highly rated the defender is at Goodison Park, meaning he could yet have a big future with Everton even after his Leeds loan spell.
Do you think Pennington is a good signing for Leeds?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
