Joe Roberts

Thu 12 October 2023 8:04, UK

Wayne Rooney will go to Everton if he performs well at Birmingham City, according to Alan Brazil.

Speaking live on talkSPORT (12 October), the presenter backed the former Toffee to take the hot seat if he continues to prove himself as a manager after leaving MLS side DC United for a move to St Andrew’s that was completed on Wednesday (11 October).

Brazil also suggested Rooney would need financial backing from the club should he be afforded the chance to take the role, but “in his heart” he is Everton.

Brazil said: “I think if Wayne can do well with the Blues, he will go to Everton. Not just yet, he needs a couple of years. If he can prove himself and there’s money behind the club and he does well, then I think in his heart he’s Everton.”

Lots to prove

Rooney’s move to Birmingham City left many puzzled. John Eustace led the Blues to sixth in the Championship table so far this season, a huge improvement on their 17th-place finish in the campaign last season.

The former Manchester United man will have to hit the ground running to justify his employment, but should everything go well on his return to English football, Goodison Park could be calling.

The trend of former players returning to their club is nothing new, but the likes of Frank Lampard, Mikel Arteta and Ole Gunnar Solskjær have all taken that step in the Premier League, and Rooney could do too.

It is still very early to be speculating realistically on Rooney’s future. Championship football is tough, so few would be very confident that Rooney will be an instant success. Many tipped Steven Gerrard to take over from Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool, but the former Reds captain looks far from a Premier League job now.

If Rooney does prove himself as a top coach, something he has yet to do, then a second Goodison Park reunion could work for all parties, but for now, the Toffees will focus on their own manager.

In other Everton news, the club made the right call in the transfer window as an injury update has emerged.