Jack Grealish and Richarlison have both been linked with a return to Everton this summer, but should the Blues make the moves?
Richarlison and Jack Grealish
Richarlison and Jack Grealish
View Image
The futures of Jack Grealish of Manchester City and Richarlisonof Tottenham Hotspur have been the subject of speculation in recent days, but would you have one or both of them back at Everton?
Members of the ECHO sportsdesk have their say...
Christopher Beesley
Before last weekend, I’d have probably said I’d definitely take Jack Grealish back, but now I’m not so sure.
After watching Everton’s final pre-season friendly against Lille, there appeared to be a degree of balance among their wide options. Iliman Ndiaye was imperious back on the left flank, producing the kind of form he displayed during the final campaign at Goodison Park when mostly deployed on that side.
Tyrique George, who has enjoyed an impressive pre-season, also likes to play on the left while Tyler Dibling and debutant Brennan Johnson – who both should have scored – favour life on the right.
So, while there’s no doubting that Grealish would improve the current Blues squad, will he bring enough to the table and will it be cost effective enough to be worth the potential detriment of denying minutes to one of those younger players plus the prospect of shunting Ndiaye over to the opposite side again? I’m really not so sure. That’s presuming Ndiaye stays though. If not, then all bets are off.
Also, as much as we’ve seen some flashes of brilliance that made Dibling so highly rated at Southampton, has it been enough to convince David Moyes?
When it comes to Richarlison, it’s a firm no from me.
We know Evertonians love him and he loves them – a bit too much in public, you’d be forgiven for being annoyed by his antics if you were a Spurs fan – but that ship has now sailed. He’s had plenty of injuries since he departed Goodison Park and while he can still be a big impact player, his best days are probably behind him now.
Go find the next Richarlison – preferably still playing in Brazil rather than having to shell out big money from a domestic rival – rather than sentimentally chasing the old one.
Paul Wheelock
I'm someone who wrote earlier this summer that if the finances for the deal stacked up, Everton should bring back Jack Grealish. And I still believe he would improve the squad and, at full fitness, would still be one of the first names on the teamsheet.
However… I did not see the Brennan Johnson signing coming. With his arrival, Iliman Ndiaye, the permanent transfer of Tyrique George, and the clear improvement in Tyler Dibling’s performances in pre-season, Everton suddenly looked well stocked in the wide areas. So, with no European football, it raises the question of whether they need a fifth option on the wings.
Then there is the argument over whether re-signing Grealish would harm the development of George and Dibling.
A similar question arose last summer, but the Manchester City loanee’s displays soon silenced it. And, while some contend the considerable expense of Grealish's loan was not worth it, given the Blues finished 13th and that it came at the cost of giving Dibling more game time, the counterargument to that would be that Dibling didn’t do enough when granted time on the pitch, and European football could well have been achieved had Grealish not sustained his unfortunate injury in January.
The elephant in the room continues to be Ndiaye’s future. While Everton are in a strong position over the Senegalese, the gossip columns continue to link the club to new wingers, and not just Grealish.
So while I hope Ndiaye is still wowing Evertonians come the close of the transfer window, I’ve got a feeling one of the Premier League big guns could come calling before September 1.
If that transpires, and the Blues get the big money they would demand for him, I would bring Grealish in on another loan - if it worked for the club.
As for Richarlison, you can’t get a much better Tottenham Hotspur source than football.london’s Alasdair Gold and this week, while dismissing reports that Everton have made a bid for the Brazilian, revealed they had enquired about their former striker earlier in the summer.
I think the centre-forward situation is the one to watch. While the focus is on the ongoing search for a new right-back, there could be movement up front, especially if a bid for Beto is forthcoming. At 28, and with less than 12 months left on his contract, the Blues will never have a better time to sell. And given the promise shown by Thierno Barry in pre-season, Beto now looks to have slipped back to being second choice.
But if he leaves, a replacement would be needed and if there was a chance to sign Richarlison on loan, I would take it. Yes, he’s had his injuries, but 12 goals in 43 appearances last season, and his form in pre-season, show he’s still a force to be reckoned with.
Is the heart ruling the head on this one? Maybe. But isn’t that what football’s about sometimes?