Everton and Leeds United should consider a second chance for Matthew Pennington.
Matthew Pennington would have hoped to be an in-demand player right now after he signed on loan at Leeds United last summer to replace Kyle Bartley.
This time last year Bartley was wanted by Leeds, while Swansea were unwilling to give him up.
No such tug of war appear likely over Pennington.
His time at Leeds was supposed to push him closer to Everton’s first team, or set him up for a permanent future at Elland Road.
So far there is no compelling case for either, and the best route may be to simply try again.
Pennington’s lack of success at Leeds has not been down to terrible performances, his problems have stemmed from injury.
He was outstanding for Leeds on their first game of the season against Bolton, before picking up an injury which kept him out for two months. Upon returning, he found it tough to regain his place in the team.
Pennington has made just 12 starts all season, and his form has slipped as the whole team struggle.
The easiest thing to do here for Leeds would be to walk away and look at alternatives next season, and while they need to sign another centre-back, they should look at bringing Pennington back on loan too.
Pennington has not done enough to earn a permanent deal, but Leeds should give him another season to prove his worth.
Everton’s situation is very much in flux, with their managerial situation unclear, and several first team players expected to be moved on.
At the same time, Pennington’s stop-start season at Leeds does not indicate he is ready for a regular role at Goodison Park.
Another loan makes sense for him, and sending him back to Leeds where he is settled could give him the best shot of success next season rather than starting again elsewhere.
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