David Henen denies claims he was furious Everton did not allow him to leave Everton during the summer transfer window.
It is often said that perception is reality. It’s fair to say the perception around Everton football club right now, is not particularly positive.
After winning the first four games of their competitive season, the Blues are now on a three-match losing run, with Manchester United looming on Sunday. Just like that, all the positivity from an eventful summer transfer window has all but vanished.
They say winning cures all ills, which explains the recent backlash Ronald Koeman has received. He’s gone from being described as a no-nonsense manager who won’t let the players run the club, to someone who is too strict and falling out with everyone.
Fair or not, once again, this is the perception. In that respect, speculation has recently emerged, regarding another player who is apparently unhappy with life at Everton.
As per the Echo‘s Kristian Walsh, David Henen was reportedly furious, when the Blues did not allow him to leave during the summer. The news first broke via Belgium media outlet, La Meuse.
The comments attributed to Henen certainly make for interesting reading. As reported by Walsh, he apparently said:
"“Everton didn’t want to let me go, either on loan or permanently…It wasn’t through lack of me trying, as I really wanted to go and find a club where I could play regularly. That’s all I want.“However, they didn’t want to hear anything about it. At the time, I won’t lie, I was very disappointed. Furious, even.”"
However, the 21-year-old has now taken to Twitter, to give his version of events. Henen wrote:
"“They just love to make fake story about me. Yes I wanted to go on loan this season and play first team football, but after a good meeting with the staff I have change my mind.”"
So what’s the truth? Understandably, we may never know for sure, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make an educated guess, based on the available information.
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From our perspective, we believe the Belgian-born winger was disappointed about not being able to move this summer. He even admits himself, that he wanted to at least go somewhere on loan this season.
This is understandable, given Henen has yet to play for the Everton first team. There is nothing wrong with having a burning desire to prove yourself at the highest level.
Further, consider other comments the winger apparently made to the Belgian media. As per Walsh again:
"“In the end, with a bit of time, maybe it’s a blessing in disguise. Their refusal shows they believe in me. They even told me they want me to integrate the first-team.”"
With stories like this, you often find the truth is somewhere in the middle. In that respect, while Henen may well have wanted to leave, we think it was on loan, as opposed to permanently.
However, after calming down and speaking to the Blues, the youngster realised how much he means to the team. And if we’re wrong, worst case scenario for the youngster is that his contract expires in a year and he will then be free to go elsewhere.
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What’s your take on the speculation surrounding Henen. Do you believe he was angry about not leaving the Blues, or are you taking him on his claim it is a case of false reporting? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.