The Manchester United striker’s return to Everton is almost inevitable according to Talksport’s Jim White.
Wayne Rooney’s return to Everton would not be without its critics, be it due to his perceived decline over recent seasons, or his acrimonious split from the club 13 years ago.
Even those who still think that Rooney could do a job back at Goodison will perhaps have concerns about his ability to replace Romelu Lukaku directly.
But bringing back the 31-year-old – which is an ‘almost inevitability’ according to Talksport’s Jim White – is a gamble worth taking for Everton, whether Lukaku – the Toffees’ £100-million-rated top scorer – is to leave or not.
Wayne Rooney in action for Everton
Ronald Koeman’s team are understandably keen to keep the Belgian on board, although their ongoing recruitment drive suggests the possibility that he could be on his way has been strongly considered, to say the least.
Already in through the Goodison Park door is attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen [20 goals and 12 assists last season], while versatile forward Sandro Ramirez [14, 20] looks certain to follow.
Goals, it seems, are being sought from parts of the pitch other than those usually frequented by Lukaku, where Rooney – who scored eight and assisted 10 for Manchester United last term – would likely play in the event the 24-year-old is sold.
But say Klaassen replaces Ross Barkley [five goals, nine assists last season], Sandro replaces Enner Valencia [three, two] and Rooney replaces Lukaku [26, seven], Everton’s new-look attacking contingent would be, based the 2016-17 campaign, eight goals and nine assists better off than its previous version.
And were the Toffees to add a Gylfi Sigurdsson [10 goals, 13 assists last season] or Josh King [16, two] for example, how could anyone contest that’s not a vast improvement – even without Lukaku present?
Everton’s Romelu Lukaku
With a support network like that, there’s every reason to assume Rooney would thrive back at Everton, while its very presence should ensure that even if he doesn’t, it wouldn’t be a big deal.
Where do you stand on Rooney’s potential return to Everton?
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