The Tottenham Hotspur striker could have been ideal for Everton.
On the whole, it was a productive summer for Everton. Last season’s weakness were addressed on paper, while only Romelu Lukaku left against the club’s wishes.
The only real negative was Everton’s failure to replace Lukaku like-for-like, while another left-sided defender perhaps wouldn’t have gone amiss.
In truth, there wasn’t an abundance of available options in either position. But one player who, looking from afar, might have been of interest did appear to be up for grabs at one stage.
Vincent Janssen, the Tottenham Hotspur striker, was reported to have held late discussions over a move to Brighton & Hove Albion after Spurs recruited Fernando Llorente from Swansea City (both Mail and Argus). However, it was later claimed the Dutchman turned down a move to the Premier League newcomers, preferring instead to be third choice at Tottenham.
Janssen may have struggled in his first season at English football, scoring six times in 38 appearances, but in his defence, he never got a proper run of games to prove his worth – starting seven league matches all season, even though Harry Kane, Tottenham’s talisman, was absent for eight.
Previously, he’d been the Eredivisie’s top scorer, and looked the part as Holland came away from Wembley with a 2-1 win over England in early 2016, with Janssen contributing a goal and assist.
He could have been ideal for Everton, who no longer possess a striker in his mould – 6ft 1ins tall and sturdier than City Tower – and who will have to rest Wayne Rooney, their almost-32-year-old striker at some stage.
Despite Janssen’s comments on the contrary, Ronald Koeman, the Everton manager, will surely have some inside knowledge of him from their time at Feyenoord together (Sun). It’s hard to imagine then that Everton would not have at least explored the possibility of a loan deal – as Brighton are alleged to have done – which had the potential to suit all parties.
So why didn’t it? Perhaps it was Everton’s apparent refusal to negotiate with Tottenham over the sale of Ross Barkley that cost them (Telegraph)? Or maybe it was Spurs’ reported asking price of £25 million (ESPN), with a temporary deal not an option? Did Everton think they could get someone else instead?
Whatever the reason, until January at least, it looks as though Everton will continue to be light up top, Janssen will remain without regular opportunities and Tottenham will be left with a player of ever-diminishing value.
Should Everton have gone for Tottenham’s Janssen?
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