Greg O’Keefe gives update on Lewis Dobbin Everton future
The Athletic journalist Greg O’Keeffe believes it would be a shame if Everton lost Lewis Dobbin at the end of the season on a free transfer.
The Toffees’ young striker made his first-team debut in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier this season, but his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
Rafa Benitez has already admitted [Liverpool Echo] that he is confident of a deal being reached to keep Dobbins at the club, but as of yet, no agreement has been reached.
O’Keeffe was speaking on the All Together Now podcast when he revealed that while he’s not personally seen much of Dobbins, all the reports have been really good.
“In the case of Dobbin, from what I’ve heard – again, I have to be honest, I haven’t watched an awful lot of him – but I’ve heard very good reports, better than Ellis Simms in many ways.
“So I think it’d be a shame for us to lose him.”
Positive
It’s always a good thing to have exciting young prospects coming through the academy at your club, so Everton’s future looks bright right now.
Alongside the likes of Anthony Gordon and Jarred Branthwaite, Dobbins has the chance to become the next academy star to make it to the first-team and have an impact.
Benitez is clearly a fan of his and that will undoubtedly lead to opportunities for Dobbins, who is a very talented young striker.
He bagged 11 goals and eight assists in his last full season in the Under-18’s before undergoing surgery last year, but he has returned stronger and is deserving of his chance.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is the undisputed first-choice striker but with Salomon Rondon really failing to produce the goods this season, the club could do worse than giving Dobbins added minutes to develop and prove himself.
They need to agree a new deal first though, and judging by the report from O’Keefe it should be a priority.
In other Everton news, Serie A club readying giant swap deal for Toffees star in January.