Potential Richarlison departure means Everton must give Ellis Simms first-team chance
Everton are reportedly in advanced talks with Tottenham over the transfer of Richarlison – and if that is the case it opens the perfect opportunity for Frank Lampard to give Ellis Simms a first-team chance.
As revealed by UOL Esporte journalist Bruno Andrade on Saturday (11 June), the Brazilian is believed to be “very close” to leaving Goodison Park and moving to North London.
If the 25-year-old striker does depart, it opens up the door for Lampard to give 21-year-old Simms a first-team chance.
Before the news about Richarlison broke, Football Scotland claimed [7 June] that Hearts were keen to bring the striker back to Tynecastle after scoring seven goals in all competitions for the Edinburgh side.
However, with Richarlison potentially leaving the club, Lampard would be foolish not to give the striker a first-team chance after two excellent loan spells and a stellar youth career.
Simms was a vital part of the Blackpool side that secured promotion via the playoffs in the 2020/21 campaign.
The physical striker has also been a success north of the border where he has become a popular figure at Hearts.
With Everton needing to be far more astute in the transfer market, utilising their younger assets could be an avenue that Lampard and Kevin Thelwell go down.
Simms has done more than enough to be given a chance in and around the first-team squad.
He has scored goals for Hearts and scored ten goals for Blackpool after signing for the Tangerines in January 2021.
There is absolutely no risk involved for Lampard and with some potential high-profile departures in the striking department this summer, Simms could well be given a chance.
In other Everton news, the Blues could be forced into a big sale as Usmanov’s name is mentioned in a transfer report.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.