Rooney vs Sigurdsson – Who Could Be The Perfect Signing For Everton
Everton have been the most audacious spenders this summer so far as they have already introduced a number of top talents in form of Dutch midfielder Davy Klaassen , Spain youth international Sandro Ramirez, young Nigerian marksman Henry Onyekuru along with two of England’s brightest prospects – custodian Jordan Pickford from Sunderland as well as former Burnley centre back Michael Keane for hefty fees.
The Toffees are not done yet! Although they have lost their hitman Romelu Lukaku to league rivals Manchester United, boss Ronald Koeman is in talks to bring in a few more high profile resources including £32m Swansea playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson. However, the transfer of the summer from Everton seems to be the capture of Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney who left Everton as a boy to join the Red Devils back in 2004. The move was officially announced a few hours earlier and his arrival is sure to light Goodison Park up.
He has been allowed to leave on a free transfer after falling down the pecking order under new boss Jose Mourinho. The England legend seeks more game time in order to return to the national team prior to next year’s FIFA World Cup and has pounced at the chance to return to his boyhood club.
However, is this a smart piece of business by the Merseysiders? A return to his hometown might be an ecstatic moment to celebrate for the player as well as supporters. But considering Koeman’s philosophy and blueprint, the legendary English forward does not fit the bill to hold a regular place on the long run. Although he is vastly experienced and his knowledge of the game will enrich the youthful Toffees, Rooney, unfortunately is past his prime and can no more be stated as a perfect signing for Everton.
Rooney made only 15 starts (and 10 substitute appearances) in last season’s Premier League campaign and netted 5 times in the process. He was explored in a multiple positions in attack as well as midfield, but the Englishman failed to leave an impact like he used to have with high work rate during his peak.
Sigurdsson, on the other hand, might actually be an upgrade to Ross Barkley, Everton’s contract rebel who is keen to move elsewhere after rejecting a new deal. The Icelandic international has been the most influential figure for the Swans in recent years and played a key role in their relegation survival last campaign. He netted 9 goals and assisted 13 times in 38 Premier League outings and contributed significantly as a playmaker.
Sigurdsson is 27 and is a proven Premier League star who is currently in the form of his life. £32m for him is a reasonable transfer fee in this inflated market. The midfielder, though is not a legend like Wayne Rooney, his presence will have increase quality and would have enhanced Everton’s Champions League dreams.
A rather bad move from Koeman if it is the case that Rooney has been signed to play as the supplier in the team. Barkley needs to be replaced with Sigurdsson and we’ll have to wait to see if the Swansea star would be signed.