Everton: Is Henry Onyekuru headed back to Merseyside?

Speculation is circulating, suggesting Everton may attempt to bring Henry Onyekuru back early from his loan with Anderlecht, to help with their scoring issues.

As Everton look for different ways to improve their scoring situation, they seem to be leaving no stone unturned. At least that’s the perception, if the latest speculation is to be believed.

The Echo‘s Adam Jones is wondering if Everton are attempting to bring Henry Onyekuru back early, from his season-long loan spell with Anderlecht? Jones refers to Nigerian website 90minutuesgoal, which claims sources close to the youngster believe the Blues are eager to take him back to Merseyside.

Onyekuru joined the Toffees during the summer for an unconfirmed fee of £7 million, when he signed a five-year deal. However, he was immediately loaned out to Anderlecht, who won the Belgian league last season.

The 20-year-old is highly regarded for his pace and versatility. He has been in fine form recently, with four goals in his last four league games.

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While it was believed going to Anderlecht would allow Onyekuru the chance to play regularly and hone his skills, this wasn’t the only reason Everton loaned him out. As Jones writes, there were also complications with his work permit.

More specifically, the Nigerian international has not appeared in the required 75 percent of his country’s fixtures during the past two years. As Jones notes, the changes to the FA’s work permit regulations for non-EU players came into effect in 2015.

With this in mind, how do Everton plan to bring Onyekuru back to England? As per 90minutesgoal, they will attempt to use a “special talent” clause, to acquire the necessary work permit.

The FA’s new work permit rules include an exceptions panels, which the Blues can potentially appeal to. Jones writes that the panel would consider factors such as the fee paid for the player, his wage compared to the rest of Everton’s squad and his recent form for Anderlecht.

Overall, it certainly sounds like a lot of work, although it would show how much Everton rate the youngster. Regardless, the likelihood of the Blues being successful in their appeal for the required work permit is very much up in the air.

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Assuming it’s true, do you agree with the attempts to bring Onyekuru back early from his loan spell? Or do you believe he should stay for the season with Anderlecht, so he can continue to play regularly and improve his all-round game? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.