Not so long ago, Everton fans were jubilant as they managed to land a player and a legend of the game in Wayne Rooney in place of Romelu Lukaku, who was desperate to quit the club. The boyhood Evertonian was expected to take the Toffees to new heights this season but Everton have failed to qualify for Europe, making this summer transfer window all the more important.
They might lose a few more players this summer but it is now understood that they might lose Rooney himself at the end of the season.
Rooney In ‘Serious Talks’ Over MLS Switch
According to reports from Washington Post in the US, Wayne Rooney is attracting interest from DC United, who are ready to fork out up to $17m for him this summer. It is reported that talks between two parties are reaching their final stages and that Rooney could be on his way to the US pretty soon.
Sam Allardyce spoke about the same recently and revealed that Rooney is happy at Everton but a mammoth offer may just see him quit the club come the end of the season. So how will Rooney’s decision effect Everton?
What Does Rooney Have To Offer?
Having signed a two-year deal at the start of the previous season, Rooney was expected to be a game changer for Everton. He was expected to replace the creativity of Romelu Lukaku in the side but with just 10 goals and two assists in 27 league starts this season, he has not been as effective for Allardyce’s side.
He does remain as the most productive player at the club in front of goal but Everton need much more from him if they are to use him regularly in the first team next season. At 32, the 119 capped English international does have a couple of years of football left and is a player hard to replace.
His versatility and experience will be crucial for Everton to get back to their previous best and at this moment, it could be devastating if they lose their star player.
Can He Be Replaced?
However, with regular game time hard to come by, Rooney might be tempted to quit this summer. So how can Everton replace him?
It will be nigh impossible to replace his experience and expertise on the field but Everton can certainly replace his goals and assists. His direct contributions in front of goal will not be too hard to replace but his presence in the dressing room and the calmness he gets to the side will both be missed.
Everton will lose a real legend in Rooney if he decides to leave but it might not be as upsetting as the loss of Lukaku, less than a year ago. So if Rooney decides to quit, Everton are better off starting to look at replacements as soon as possible.