LIVE
...

Follow us on

Soccer News

Everton should let Pennington leave permanently

Sam Allardyce, Manager of Everton looks on prior to the Premier League match between Everton and Swansea City at Goodison Park on December 18, 2017...
Follow us on Google Discover

The Everton defender is currently on loan at Leeds United.

Matthew Pennington of Everton celebrates scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield on April 1, 2017 in Liverpool, England.

Matthew Pennington has long been regarded as a talented young player by Everton but it appears that the defender could leave the club permanently next month.

Pennington has spent the first half of the season on loan in the Championship with Leeds United, and, while much of that spell has been hampered by injury, the 23-year-old has featured as a substitute in the club’s last two league games.

There have been reports, via Leeds Live, that Pennington could make his switch to Elland Road permanent.

Everton's English defender Matthew Pennington celebrates after scoring their first goal during the English Premier League football match between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield in...

Letting go of Pennington, who scored in the Merseyside derby against Liverpool last season, would undoubtedly be a difficult decision for Everton.

However, the emergence of Mason Holgate, who has excelled at centre-back following the arrival of Sam Allardyce as manager, should convince Everton that now is the time to let Pennington depart.

Everton player Matthew Pennington in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Sunderland and Everton at the Stadium of Light on May 11, 2016 in Sunderland, England.

Holgate possesses greater composure on the ball than Pennington and his speed is also a useful asset.

Pennington is 23 years old and in his fourth loan spell away from Everton. Although he remains a good prospect, it is time for Everton to let him leave and focus on the development of Holgate instead.