OPINION
Signing players on loan has its merits but also its risk – and it seems Everton are learning the pitfalls of sealing temporary signings.
The Toffees were busy last summer bringing in a mix of permanent and loan arrivals to Goodison Park, with the defence seemingly their main priority.
Alongside Lucas Digne and Yerry Mina Marco Silva’s men also managed to secure a deal to take French international Kurt Zouma from Chelsea for the season – and the Blues powerhouse has established himself as a mainstay in the side.
Proving why he was at Stamford Bridge in the first place with a series of composed and commanding performances at the heart of the defence, it seems his performances on Merseyside have convinced his parent club to give him a chance – with Everton keen on keeping him permanently.
The Liverpool Echo claim that Chelsea are expecting him to report for pre-season duty this summer while the Toffees continue to chase a permanent deal and with a potential transfer embargo hanging over the London club, confusion has reigned over his future.
Regardless of what happens, director of football Marcel Brands has got to get on the phone with both Chelsea as well as the clubs of potential centre back replacements on the club’s shortlist, for they cannot afford to be finding themselves coming up short when the transfer window opens.
Losing Zouma would be a bitter blow and it is imperative that Everton know if he is going to be allowed to return. If not, then a new arrival has got to be sourced quickly.
Brands’ job looks to have just been made a little more difficult.