In the last few years, we’ve seen prominent players making a move to a new league at the dusk of their career to maybe take on a new challenge or just make a quick buck. The likes of Andrea Pirlo, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard have tried their hand in the MLS. The Chinese Super League is now another destination thanks to its riches and many have already made the move to the Far East.
Another player who was rumoured to embark on a similar move is Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney. However, there is still a good possibility of him returning back to Everton, according to reports.
Rooney is no longer at the peak of his prowess and understandably so as he is 31 now. While the niggling injuries haven’t helped, the continued addition of new players to the squad post the Sir Alex era has had its effects too. With the attacker struggling to find consistent game time at Old Trafford, a move is likely.
The Everton fans still stand divided on the possibility of a return as many think the club are on a rise and signing players who are no longer able to provide their best will be akin to taking a step in the wrong direction, even if it’s one of your former players who has gone on to achieve elite status around the globe. It’s hard to argue against that, even more so when Everton have high ambitions under new owner Farhad Moshiri.
Rooney’s form has curtailed so much that even the thought of him joining a top seven side in the Premier League has become far-fetched. Everton, who didn’t have a good phase before the New Year, have picked up their form in the second half of the season and lead the points table if you consider games only in the second half. Ronald Koeman’s side are on the rise and with so many better players out there in the transfer market, it seems highly illogical for them to go after Rooney.
At the end of the day, everything will depend on what Koeman thinks and he has only spoken good words about the England star.
Koeman had said in February, “I believe that Wayne Rooney is still playing at a high level.” The level he was talking about is presumably that of the Premier League and not the dizzy heights he set individually five years ago.
Koeman also said, “Every player that we at Everton think can make the team stronger is welcome to Everton.” That begs the question, doesn’t it? How will he fit in? Whom will he replace? Right now, the bench seems like the only place for Rooney, be it Old Trafford or Goodison Park.
