Potential Wayne Rooney transfer a step back for Everton
By Roy Emanuel
Why the English star will struggle in Merseyside.
Everton have already enjoyed a strong summer in the transfer market, with the likes of Sandro Ramirez and Michael Keane strengthening the squad at Goodison Park recently. However, it is the rumoured addition of former prodigy Wayne Rooney in the coming days that ultimately takes some of the shine off their impressive signings.
The all-time leading goalscorer for both Manchester United and the English national team, Rooney has enjoyed a fantastic career in football since working his way through the Toffees’ youth system many years ago.
Although there may seem to be positives in his eventual move back to his former club, his place in the line-up will bring more questions than answers in 2017-18.
An unknown position
The main conundrum for Everton manager Ronaldo Koeman will be where to play Rooney, and how to get the most out of the 32-year-old moving forward. If his final seasons at Old Trafford are any indication, his transition into the Everton team will not be a smooth one.
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Without the pace and vision of an attacking midfielder, Rooney’s recent switch to a more central position can become a liability in the final third.
His glory days as one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers are gone, and Koeman will be expecting quite a bit from the top of his line-up as Everton make a push for Champions League qualification.
Blinded by nostalgia
Wayne Rooney’s return to Everton is, taken at face value, a wonderful story where a great career comes full-circle. But, as is the case in life as well as football, time has a way of changing all things.
Football fans can remember it all, and visions of Rooney’s quick movements and spectacular goals will be counted on to materialise when he is involved this season. Unfortunately, Rooney is bound to be a clumsy piece in an awkward puzzle at Everton.
This is also likely to bring ill will from supporters, and even has the strong chance of creating a toxic atmosphere in some respects.
Wayne Rooney’s time at Manchester United is over. That much has been made clear by both Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho during the past few years, along with his own significant dips in form. Major League Soccer and the Chinese Super League appeared to be financially-sound options, as his fame would also help guide him through any possible issues in his play.
Next: Wayne Rooney set to make Everton return
But now, both Wayne Rooney and Everton face a difficult and challenging road ahead together. And it is hopefully not one that takes them off their European path.