Everton: For better or worse, Wayne Rooney is coming home

While opinion is split on re-signing Wayne Rooney, at least Everton are bringing England’s all-time leading goalscorer back on their terms.

In theory, Wayne Rooney’s reunion with Everton is a good idea. And yet, the scenario has turned out to be one of the more polarizing debates in the footballing world.

For everyone who believes Rooney can galvanize the Blues, there is someone who argues his return is a step back for the club. Regardless, for better or worse, he’s coming home.

We’ve recently been undecided on the matter ourselves. Initially, we wrote the 31-year old’s experience could be invaluable for Everton, after regularly playing in big games and winning major honours.

However, we later added that at some point it would be bad business, after reports relating to Rooney’s wage demands. Apparently though, this aspect is no longer an issue.

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As reported by the Daily Mail‘s Jack Gaughan, the Croxteth-born star has agreed to a 50 percent pay cut, to return to Liverpool. He wages will drop to around £150,000 per week.

This is still the highest salary Everton have ever paid out. However, it shows Rooney’s willingness to play again for the club he supported as a boy.

Manchester United are also doing their bit, to help facilitate the move for their all-time leading goalscorer. As per Gaughan, they will pay around £15 million for the final year of his current contract, with the potential for a loyalty bonus as well.

Interestingly, despite Rooney’s star status, Ronald Koeman won’t be treating him any differently to the rest of the squad. As per a report from the Mirror‘s David Anderson, the Everton manager has laid down the law and will not tolerate bad behaviour.

Koeman refuses to have a drinking culture at the club and he expects the 2009/10 PFA Player of the Year to tow the party line. He wants the forward to be a positive influence for the younger players, especially with his renowned passion and work ethic.

For his part, Rooney appears to have bought into Koeman’s philosophy and is impressed with his vision for Everton. Further, he believes he can bring success back to the Blues, while in turn boosting his chances of playing for England in the 2018 World Cup.

Overall, there are understandably no guarantees Rooney’s return will be a success. However, at least Koeman and Everton are doing it on their terms, with the positives outweighing the potential negatives.

Next: Are Everton interested in Virgil van Dijk or not?

What’s your opinion of Rooney’s impending return to Everton? Do you support the move or not and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.