Everton made to rue transfer decision as ‘top player’ continues excellent form
Everton are enjoying the fruits of a busy transfer window, with a superb start to the season.
Transfer deadline day saw a ninth arrival, when Everton signed Merlin Rohl from SC Freiburg on loan with an obligation to buy.
The German joined several other new additions to David Moyes’ squad, including the hugely impressive Jack Grealish.
Everton also signed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall from Chelsea, and the midfielder is expected to keep Rohl out of the team for the time being.
But the Toffees may be left to regret a departure they sanctioned two years ago, in one of the season’s early storylines.
Isaac Price enjoys sensational start to the season
Isaac Price left Everton on a free transfer in 2023, rejecting a new contract for more consistent first team football in Belgium with Standard Liege.
While it was Price’s decision to leave, that could have been prevented had the Toffees pushed ahrd enough.
The midfielder had spent his young career with the Toffees up until his departure, making two Premier League appearances in the previous seasons.
Price would spend just 18 months in the Jupiler Pro League before West Brom paid around £2.6million to take him to the Championship in January.
| Isaac Price | Vs Germany |
| Minutes played | 88 |
| Goals | 1 |
| Duels won | 3 |
| Was fouled | 1 |
| Pass accuracy | 88% |
And this season, the 21-year-old has looked in scintillating form, scoring three goals and providing two assists in just five appearances for the Baggies.
Sunday saw the youngster hit a landmark on the international stage, too, scoring an equaliser against Germany to become the youngest player to score 10 goals for Northern Ireland.
- Read more: Why do Everton play in royal blue home kits?
Everton made mistake letting ‘top player’ go
By Price’s own admission, his decision to leave Everton was ultimately down to consistent first-team football.
Despite being highly thought of at Goodison Park, the midfielder was handed just one Premier League appearance in the 2022/23 season.
But the Toffees are now being made to rue that decision, with Price, who West Brom legend Tony Brown told BBC Sport “is going to be a top player”, starting to realise his potential.
Perhaps even more frustrating for Everton than the player they may have lost from their first team, is the fee they have surely lost.
Should he continue to thrive and enjoy a strong season in the Championship, Premier League clubs will undoubtedly be knocking on the door for Price next summer, and the Baggies are not likely to accept a cut-price figure.
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