All those weeks of speculation and wishful thinking might finally come true this summer as Wayne Rooney comes closer than ever to return to his boyhood club since leaving Goodison Park back in 2004. The English international has to make a huge decision as the new season arrives fast. Following his reduced game time at United and World Cup coming up next year, regular first team football would be his top priority.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman hasn’t shied away from exhibiting his admiration for the player and had even seen a winter bid rejected following such speculations in January. Leaving United would be a tough decision for the player, but given that he could manage just 15 starts last season which could further dwindle next season, his path is quite clear.
And Mourinho’s increased interest in Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata, following Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer, means that his time at Old Trafford is up. Everton’s desperate need for a world-class striker is no secret as they prepare for life after Romelu Lukaku. And Rooney could be a potential replacement for almost any striker in the Premier League.
Since Sir Alex Ferguson bought him for a £27 million, thirteen years back, Rooney has been one of Premier League’s best forwards for over a decade, scoring a whopping 250 goals in 549 matches and registering 145 assists. He has won everything with United- Premier League, Champions League, Europa League, FA Cup and the Club World Cup.
Although his tenacity and work rate has taken a toll with age, his ability to finish and superior technique in front of goal is undeniable and Everton would gain hugely with his signing. Everton are on a spending spree this summer. And Rooney’s inclusion could make them a potential top four contender next season.
Koeman can also use the player as an attacking midfielder behind the striker. With age taking a toll on him, he has been seen playing in the number 10 role, and with Ross Barkley’s future uncertain at the moment, he could be a potential replacement too.
Although there are younger ones, Koeman hardly has a better option up front than Rooney. His years of experience in the Premier League makes him a perfect player to have up front as he is acquainted with all types of situation and pressure one faces in top-flight football. With BBC claiming that a move is more than likely, Rooney could be Koeman’s icing on the cake for the Everton fans.
