Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Photo by Simon Stacpoole/Offside/Offside via Getty Images
Everton wanted to take Raheem Sterling on a free transfer after his departure from Chelsea.
Alex Crook of talkSPORT claims that the England international spoke to Everton and has a lot of admiration for David Moyes – but ultimately opted for a fresh challenge in the Netherlands.
The man born in Kingston has now penned a deal with Feyenoord after a chat with Robin van Persie.
It means Moyes misses out on a chance to add a bit of experience to his youthful attack, but there is still another option for the Toffees to turn to in Jesse Lingard.
Everton deadline day graphic
Everton deadline day graphic
Jesse Lingard should be considered as Everton search for wisdom
In Tyler Dibling and Harrison Armstrong, Everton are relying on two 19-year-olds in the attacking department, as well as a player who only recently turned 20 in Tyrique George.
Thierno Barry is 23 and inexperienced as well, so Sterling – who can boast 82 caps for England and 577 appearances at club level – would have been a useful addition to help guide these prospects.
However, an alternative is there for Everton in Lingard, who Moyes knows well.
The England international has been without a club since leaving FC Seoul in December, scoring on his final appearance for the South Korean side when netting in a 1-1 draw against Melbourne City in the AFC Champions League Elite.
Now 33 years of age and with 385 appearances at club level under his belt – along with 32 England caps – the man born in Warrington possesses the experience which can help the likes of Dibling, Harrison and George become better footballers at Everton.
The David Moyes connection
Not only could Lingard – who has held talks with a mystery English club – be of use behind the scenes as an experienced figure to lean on, but Moyes may also be able to coax some goals or assists out of him too.
The Glaswegian has already taken Lingard on for the second half of a Premier League campaign once in his career while managing West Ham, and to some effect.
A loan move from Manchester United in January 2021 saw the attacking midfielder embark on a remarkable streak, netting nine goals and providing five assists in just 16 appearances to help West Ham qualify for the UEFA Europa League that season.
Moyes loved Lingard from the moment he arrived in east London, saying: “Jesse can play from the left, from the right or play as a ten. I think if I had to, I could play him as a false nine if I needed.
“He will help us with our creativity. When he played for England he was energetic… hopefully we can get the best out of him.”
Everton striker Braiden Graham. Everton manager David Moyes.
Credit: Getty Images/Andrew Kearns – CameraSport/Visionhaus.
In normal circumstances, a move might not happen, but considering Everton spoke to Sterling and also have a range of inexperienced attackers who need guidance, a deal for Lingard makes a lot of sense.