Player in outstanding form suggests he could leave Everton this summer

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Niels Nkounkou has indicated that he might have to make a difficult decision regarding his future at Everton after leaving the Premier League outfit on loan yet again.

It is nearly three years now since the talented left-back arrived at Goodison Park from Marseille. In that time, he has made only two league appearances for the Toffees, farmed out on loan to Cardiff City, Standard Liege and now St Etienne. 

Now at the age of 22, and with just over 12 months remaining on his Everton contract, this summer could be a very important one in Nkounkou’s development; the Frenchman finding himself at a fork in the road.

“Clearly (I need stability). I would like to fix myself to a project, not to find myself in uncertainty every summer, without knowing where I will do the season,” the France U21 international tells the Ligue 2 website. 

“I would like to find stability somewhere. In recent years, I’ve moved a lot and now I want to settle down. Changing clubs plays on your head.

“When you know that at the end of the season, you will surely no longer be there, it makes you think. It’s not always easy to live with, whether for me or for my loved ones, who follow me every time.” 

Everton youngster Niels Nkounkou facing uncertain future

Does this suggest that Nkounkou will look to leave Everton on a permanent basis, if Sean Dyche cannot guarantee him a first-team role next term?

The prospect of Nkounkou leaving on loan yet again certainly doesn’t benefit anyone. Especially given that this summer will be Everton’s final chance to bring in a substantial sum on the back of his impressive displays across the Channel. 

Nkounkou has six goals and eight assists in just 16 league games since joining St Etienne in January.

And, according to FootSur7, a number of as-yet unnamed ‘big clubs’ are watching his situation closely.  

“It’s true that I’ve already represented a lot of clubs,” Nkounkou adds.

“But I had no doubt that I was going to adapt quickly here. Unlike my last experiences, at Everton, Standard Liege or Cardiff, I came back to France (and) when you are in your country, when everyone speaks the same language as you, everything is easier.”