Jack Grealish and Richarlison have both been linked with a return to Everton this summer, but members of the ECHO sportsdesk have offered contrasting views on whether the Blues should pursue either player.
Christopher Beesley: Grealish a maybe, Richarlison a firm no
Christopher Beesley said he would have taken Jack Grealish back before last weekend, but is now unsure after watching Everton's final pre-season friendly against Lille. He noted that Iliman Ndiaye was imperious on the left flank, producing form similar to his final campaign at Goodison Park. Tyrique George, who impressed in pre-season, also prefers the left side, while Tyler Dibling and debutant Brennan Johnson favour the right.
“While there’s no doubting that Grealish would improve the current Blues squad, will he bring enough to the table and will it be cost effective enough to be worth the potential detriment of denying minutes to one of those younger players plus the prospect of shunting Ndiaye over to the opposite side again?” Beesley wrote. He added that if Ndiaye stays, the decision is less clear, but if he leaves, “all bets are off.”
On Richarlison, Beesley was definitive: “It’s a firm no from me.” He acknowledged that Evertonians love the Brazilian and he loves them, but said “that ship has now sailed.” He noted Richarlison has had many injuries since leaving Goodison Park and while he can still be a big impact player, “his best days are probably behind him now.” Beesley advised the club to “go find the next Richarlison – preferably still playing in Brazil rather than having to shell out big money from a domestic rival – rather than sentimentally chasing the old one.”
Paul Wheelock: Grealish still an option, Richarlison on loan possible
Paul Wheelock, who earlier this summer wrote that Everton should bring back Grealish if the finances worked, said he still believes the winger would improve the squad and, at full fitness, “would still be one of the first names on the teamsheet.” However, he noted that the signing of Brennan Johnson, along with Ndiaye, the permanent transfer of Tyrique George, and the improvement of Tyler Dibling in pre-season, means Everton are “suddenly well stocked in the wide areas.” With no European football, he questioned whether a fifth option on the wings is needed.
Wheelock addressed the argument that re-signing Grealish could harm the development of George and Dibling, noting that a similar question arose last summer but the Manchester City loanee’s displays soon silenced it. He said that while some contend the cost of Grealish's loan was not worth it given Everton finished 13th and it came at the cost of Dibling's game time, the counterargument is that Dibling did not do enough when given time on the pitch, and European football could have been achieved had Grealish not sustained an injury in January.
He highlighted that the “elephant in the room continues to be Ndiaye’s future,” with gossip columns linking the club to new wingers. If Ndiaye leaves and the Blues get the big money they would demand, Wheelock said he would bring Grealish in on another loan “if it worked for the club.”
Richarlison and the striker situation
On Richarlison, Wheelock cited football.london’s Alasdair Gold, who this week dismissed reports that Everton had made a bid for the Brazilian but revealed the club had enquired about their former striker earlier in the summer. Wheelock said the centre-forward situation is “the one to watch,” especially if a bid for Beto is forthcoming. He noted that at 28, with less than 12 months left on his contract, the Blues will never have a better time to sell, and given the promise shown by Thierno Barry in pre-season, Beto now looks to be second choice.
“But if he leaves, a replacement would be needed and if there was a chance to sign Richarlison on loan, I would take it,” Wheelock wrote. He acknowledged Richarlison has had injuries but noted 12 goals in 43 appearances last season and his pre-season form show he is still a force. He concluded: “Is the heart ruling the head on this one? Maybe. But isn’t that what football’s about sometimes?”
