Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg has emerged as a transfer target for Ligue 1 side Lille, and some fans online have had their say.
The veteran stopper – who turns 36 in a couple of months – joined the Toffees from Fulham in 2016 after loan spells with Monaco and Southampton, and has made a total of 24 appearances for the club.
The former Holland number one has largely occupied the role of back up ‘keeper during his time in the Premier League, with former stopper Joel Robles the man more favoured in recent times, and it could be that he feels ready to make one last move before retiring from the game – as reported by France Football, Lille are keen to sign him up.
Stekelenburg has been very much a peripheral figure at Goodison Park since pitching up a couple of years ago, and it’s fair to say he hasn’t really built up a meaningful relationship with the club’s fans. In his defence, there hasn’t really been much of a chance to.
The former Roma and Ajax player will surely be strongly considering leaving this summer if he is serious about continuing for another season or two – because he definitely isn’t replacing England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford anytime soon.
The 24-year-old has shone for the Three Lions at the World Cup, and although Stekelenburg is currently the number two after Robles left for Real Betis, it is difficult to see where his next appearance will come from, as surely the Toffees need somebody a bit younger.
Here are some of the mixed responses on Twitter following the new report:
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