It probably doesn’t come as a surprise to most people that Bryan Oviedo and Darron Gibson are leaving Everton after signing permanent deals with Sunderland on Monday.
Oviedo was on the verge of making the first team but was in the unfortunate position of being behind Leighton Baines in the pecking order. He made 68 appearances for the Toffees in over four years with the club.
We say goodbye, but the memories are never forgotten. I am grateful to this great family for all that I have experienced. Thanks Toffees! 💙 pic.twitter.com/PtMDCZSwkZ
— Bryan Oviedo (@Bryan_Oviedo) January 30, 2017
The Costa Rican midfielder will relish the opportunity at Sunderland, where he should fit seamlessly into the first team from the off. The 26-year-old, along with teammate Gibson, have a big task on their hand as they try to help maintain Sunderland’s Premier League status. Both players will be an integral part in Sunderland’s Premiership survival.
Gibson, 29, appeared 69 times in an Everton shirt, but never quite made a mark on the side. He only scored twice for Everton, one of which against Manchester City just two weeks after his arrival from Manchester United in 2012. Evertonians thought that was the start of something very special.
Ronald Koeman is sad to see Gibson and Oviedo depart but understands it was the best choice for the players.
“It’s a good opportunity for them to play,” Koeman told Evertonfc.com. “I’m happy for the boys. For Darron there was a lot of competition in midfield.
“In the situation of Bryan Oviedo, it was difficult. He was the back-up for Leighton (Baines) in the left-back position but finally I changed my mind, I spoke to the player and he was always the perfect professional. I understand his feelings. It was difficult for him. He’s got a new challenge to play in Sunderland. First of all (on him leaving) I said to him, ‘No way, no chance,’ because we need back-up and we need competition. But, as a football man, I changed my mind. I like the boy, he was working hard and that was the reason that he got the chance to go and play.
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“It was difficult but I think if we get any problems in that position we have some good young ones and I think we can cope with the players we have in our squad.”
David Moyes must be counting his lucky stars, as two first-team players arrive at the Stadium of Light, immediately buoying his club’s chances of staying in the top flight.