Everton must be regretting not rivalling Lyon for Memphis Depay in January

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Everton were linked with a move for Memphis Depay but ultimately decided not to rival Lyon during the January transfer window.

Back in the January transfer window, the Liverpool Echo reported that Everton were keen on then-Manchester United winger Memphis Depay but ultimately decided to not follow up their interest in the winger, leaving the path clear for Depay to join Ligue 1 side Lyon.

BBC Sport then reported that the French club paid an initial £16 million for the Dutchman, who had endured a difficult spell at Old Trafford and never really proved himself in the Premier League.

But with Depay thriving in France and with Everton struggling for goals and creativity this season, surely Ronald Koeman is regretting not pursuing his countryman more seriously as he could have perhaps been a fantastic player to have, given their recent struggles.

The Toffees have scored just four league goals this term, and have won on just two occasions in the top flight.

While the defence have not covered themselves in glory, much of the criticism of Koeman has centred around the fact that despite spending over £140 million on new players (via transfermarkt) in the summer, they did not adequately replace Romelu Lukaku following his big-money move to United or add any depth out on the wings.

Depay meanwhile, has been excellent for Lyon. Following his move, he scored five and contributed seven assists in the top flight and has started the new season with two goals and three assists in seven appearances in the league.

Given how much money Everton spent in the summer – though much of it was made from the sale of Lukaku – the Toffees must surely be scratching their heads wondering why they did not make a £16 million bid for Depay when they had the chance.

He may have struggled at United, but he has shown throughout his brief career that he can score and create goals from the wing, and that is one thing that the Toffees are surely crying out for currently. And playing in an Everton side where he could have been more of a focal point may have helped him find his best form.

And had that been the case, the Toffees’ form heading into this international break may have been considerably less concerning for Koeman than it currently is.