Everton: Is Callum Connolly worth sacrificing for Sigurdsson?
By Paul Taylor
Callum Connolly reportedly holds the key to any deal for Gylfi Sigurdsson, but should Everton give up their highly rated full back?
As the Gylfi Sigurdsson saga rumbles on, Everton fans could be forgiven for wondering if and when it will finally be resolved? As we’ve previously stated, we believe the Blues should just pay Swansea City the £50 million they’re asking for and be done with the matter.
However, as the two sides essentially stand their ground over a difference of £5 million, there may be another factor to consider in all this. More specifically, a player.
As reported by the Echo‘s Neil Jones, Blues youngster Callum Connolly may hold the key to agreeing any deal for Sigurdsson. Jones writes that Everton could look to include Connolly in a package, to persuade the Swans to finally allow the Icelandic international to leave.
The question is, assuming Swansea accept this compromise, are the Toffees better off parting company with Connolly, rather than an extra £5 million? It really does depend on your perspective.
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What we do know is that Connolly is highly-regarded by Everton. He is officially listed as a full-back, but his versatility also allows him to play as a centre-half and in central midfield.
The 19-year-old has only made one appearance so far for the Blues’ first team. However, he spent the second half of last season on loan with Wigan Athletic and impressed right away, scoring twice on his debut and going on to play 17 times. (He previously played three games for Barnsley in March 2016, during a month-long loan.)
The Liverpool-born youngster has experienced success at various levels, since first joining Everton at the age of nine. This includes helping the Under-23s clinch the inaugural Premier League 2 title and winning the U20 World Cup with England, in South Korea.
While understanding Sigurdsson will immediately improve the team, is it wise to give up a promising player, who could contribute to your long-term success? As far as we’re concerned, pay the extra £5 million for the winger now and take the calculated risk that Connolly will be worth more down the road.
Next: Koeman sets deadline for Olivier Giroud
Have you had the opportunity to watch Connolly in action? If so, what is your opinion of him? More to the point, would you be prepared to offer him as part of any deal, if it secures Sigurdsson’s signing? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.