Everton Announce Departure of Four Loan Players

Everton have confirmed that Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrøm, Orel Mangala, and Armando Broja will return to their original clubs. Their loan spells at Goodison Park have ended.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Today, Everton released a statement saying four loan players will not continue with them next season. Jack Harrison, Jesper Lindstrøm, Orel Mangala, and Armando Broja will return to their parent clubs. The players were signed to strengthen the squad during a tough season. However, Everton have decided not to make any permanent deals with them.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The departure of these four loan players is the start of a major rebuild for Everton. The team narrowly escaped relegation this season, finishing 16th in the Premier League. They earned 38 points, just four points above the relegation zone.

Apart from these loan players, Everton have also announced that defender Ashley Young and goalkeepers Asmir Begovic and Joao Virginia will leave when their contracts expire next month.

Everton showed inconsistency this season, particularly at their home ground, Goodison Park, where they won only five matches all season. Their away performance kept them in the league, with key victories against Nottingham Forest and Southampton in April.

PLAYER PERFORMANCES

The departing loan players had mixed performances. Jack Harrison, on loan from Leeds United, showed potential but scored only three goals and provided four assists in 28 Premier League matches. Jesper Lindstrøm, who arrived from Napoli, didn’t have a significant impact, starting only nine league games.

Orel Mangala added some stability in midfield after joining from Lyon in January and appeared in 16 matches. Chelsea striker Armando Broja faced fitness issues throughout his loan spell, scoring just once in 12 matches, mostly coming off the bench.

WHAT NEXT FOR EVERTON?

With these departures, Everton now have an important summer transfer window ahead. They need to strengthen their squad for the next season. The club’s upcoming competitive match will be the opening weekend of the Premier League season in August. The fixtures have yet to be announced.

Director of Football Kevin Thelwell now has the task of finding suitable replacements. Everton are likely to operate with limited finances due to their ongoing stadium project at Bramley-Moore Dock.

The club is just four points above newly promoted Leicester City and Southampton. Both secured automatic promotion from the Championship. Everton will need significant reinforcements to avoid another fight against relegation next season.