Arnaut Danjuma convinced to end Everton loan and leave Goodison Park by Memphis Depay
Arnaut Danjuma was convinced to leave Everton for Lyon in the winter window by Memphis Depay but the Toffees said no, according to Foot Mercato.
The French outlet reported via their website on 24 February that the Villarreal loanee was given advice by the Atletico Madrid forward, who used to play for the Ligue 1 side, which made his mind up to go, but as no replacement proved possible at Goodison Park the move was blocked.
Everton were reportedly close to landing one before pivoting and to show interest in Lyon’s Irish centre-back Jake O’Brien, at which point the French side shut the door on the Danjuma pursuit and brought in West Ham’s Said Benrahma instead.
Danjuma, 27, has made 20 appearances in all competitions this season but scored just two goals, and has missed the past four games after picking up an injury against Fulham on 30 January.
Atletico Madrid star advises Arnaut Danjuma on Everton exit before January move blocked
Danjuma has shown a few flashes of the ability that should make him an asset under Sean Dyche this term, but on the whole his move hasn’t had the impact that he or the club would have hoped for.
That Everton apparently pursued loan deals in January showed they were willing to let him go, unless they were ready to send Jack Harrison back to Leeds, but an inability to land one forced him to stay.
At present that outcome isn’t benefiting either side with the Dutch international out injured and unable to contribute either way.
The Toffees were left with precious little room to manoeuvre in the winter window and failed to strengthen the squad as a result.
But at the same time they were able to avoid it being weakened amid interest in stars Jarrad Branthwaite and Amadou Onana, which recent form suggests would not be a blow they could have withstood.
In other Everton news, 777 sources have responded to the latest blow to their takeover attempt amid an “impossible” claim, according to Paul Joyce.
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