Everton star Ellis Simms was keen to return to Sunderland in January after Frank Lampard cut short his loan transfer. But Sean Dyche blocked his exit after failing to sign any strikers.
That is according to The Northern Echo, which reports Simms wanted to head back out on loan to Sunderland. The 22-year-old enjoyed a productive stay at the Stadium of Light over the first half of the season. But he now faces spending the rest of it only on Dyche’s bench.
Simms offered seven goals in 17 Championship appearances and started 14 of a potential 18 Black Cats games. He had to sit out seven games over September and October due to a toe injury. Yet the striker would hit home four in his nine fixtures after returning to full fitness.
The form Simms showed with Sunderland persuaded Lampard and Everton to end his loan transfer early. He returned to Goodison Park on January 1 to take over Salomon Rondon’s place after his axe. But he is yet to edge in front of Dominic Calvert-Lewin or Neal Maupay.
Simms only managed 15 minutes of football from two Premier League appearances under Lampard at Everton this season. He appeared as a late substitute against Brighton & Hove Albion and Southampton. Yet Lampard did not look to him in the loss at West Ham United.
Sunderland wanted to secure a new loan transfer with Everton for Ellis Simms
Sunderland hoped Everton’s search for a new striker in January would see them let Simms secure another loan transfer. But the Toffees disappointed the Black Cats again following his recall as Dyche elected to keep the forward on Merseyside after failing to sign anyone.
Simms could only join Sunderland in a January transfer or stay at Everton owing to FIFA’s two-club rule. He was also keen to return to the Stadium of Light to secure further senior minutes under Tony Mowbray. And Ross Stewart’s injury heightened his chances to play.
Reports by The Northern Echo noted throughout January that Sunderland were tracking Simms’ situation at Everton in view of another transfer. But The Northern Echo added on deadline day that Dyche elected to block a deal before the Toffees failed to sign a striker.
Now, Dyche will hope Simms can show the form he displayed with Sunderland to enchant Clinton Morrison. The former Crystal Palace and Republic of Ireland striker told Sky Sports News (31/12, 13:09): “Simms has been outstanding [during his loan spell].
“When I saw that news [of his recall], I just went ‘I can’t believe it’ because he was flying for Sunderland. I thought Sunderland would maybe have an opportunity to finish in the top six [of the Championship] with him and Ross Stewart.”
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