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Everton Loan Watch: January and February 2018

By Matthew Hacke

SEVILLE, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 07: Franco Vazquez of Sevilla FC celebrates with his teammates Joaquin Correa and Sandro Ramirez of Sevilla FC after scoring his team's second goal during the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg match between Sevilla FC and CD Leganes at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 7, 2018 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)
SEVILLE, SPAIN - FEBRUARY 07: Franco Vazquez of Sevilla FC celebrates with his teammates Joaquin Correa and Sandro Ramirez of Sevilla FC after scoring his team's second goal during the Copa del Rey semi-final second leg match between Sevilla FC and CD Leganes at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan on February 7, 2018 in Seville, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images) /
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In the third of our monthly reports, we detail the progress of every Everton player currently on loan over late January and early February.

Last month, we reported on a mostly successful Christmas period for Everton‘s loanees. Now, as we reach the end of the 2017-18 season, the spotlight is on these players to perform under extreme pressure. Some are chasing promotion, European spots or cup glory. Others must try to stave off relegation.

The Blues unloaded a lot of talent in January. So there are several new faces in this month’s loan report. Read about their performances below.

Sandro Ramirez – Sevilla (La Liga)

Sandro departed Merseyside on the final day of the January transfer window. The 22-year-old striker failed to make his mark in the Premier League, and returned to Spain after just seven months with the Blues.

Sandro is having a great time in Spain by all accounts, and the Daily Mirror report that he does not want to return. However, he has failed to find his shooting boots in Sevilla, and is yet to score. Although, he did notch a crucial assist in the semi-final of the Copa del Rey against Leganes.

Ademola Lookman – RB Leipzig (Bundesliga)

Many Blues fans were displeased with Lookman’s loan departure in January. The former Charlton winger was an impact substitute on several occasions in the first half of this season, leading some to call for his inclusion on a more regular basis. The Everton management had other ideas, and agreed a loan deal for the 20-year-old with Germany’s controversial Red Bull club.

Lookman had a memorable debut, and scored a lovely goal to take all three points for Die Bullen against Borussia Monchengladbach. He even broke into the first team in mid February, starting his first game for Leipzig at Frankfurt.

Kieran Dowell – Nottingham Forest (Championship)

After a stellar first half of the season, Dowell is struggling with promotion chasing Nottingham Forest. Aitor Karanka’s team have experienced a dip in form recently, and Everton’s 20-year-old midfielder is held culpable by many Forest fans. It is likely he will be dropped next week.

Even though Dowell has lost his consistency, his season as a whole is still cause for excitement. He is Forest’s most potent attacking player, with nine goals and four assists in 2017-18 at the time of writing.

Kevin Mirallas – Olympiacos (Greek Superleague)

Mirallas was keen to leave Everton this January, and quickly departed to Olympiacos on loan. The Blues purchased the Belgian winger from the same club in 2012.

Despite considerable excitement in Greece over his homecoming, Mirallas has made little impact. He has failed to score in five appearances.

Muhamed Besic – Middlesborough (Championship)

Muhamed Besic swapped blue for red and white at the January deadline. Since his move, he has featured in two games for Middlesborough.

Despite a limited sample size, Besic seems to be flourishing in the Championship. His home debut was singled out by Boro fans as particularly impressive, as the Bosnian made four tackles and completed 72 percent of his passes according to WhoScored.

Besic has been frozen out on Merseyside, and will likely leave Everton in the summer. However, it’s nice to see him staking a claim for a first team place elsewhere.

Tyias Browning – Sunderland (Championship)

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We reported in the previous loan watch that Tyias Browning was a staple in a struggling Sunderland side. Browning has played consistently since then, but has not escaped criticism.

After a damaging loss to Brentford last weekend, the Sunderland Echo singled Browning out as “struggling.” Following this defeat, Browning did not feature against Bolton on Tuesday.

Browning will likely continue to see minutes, as Sunderland are short of quality at the back. Hopefully, his recent dip in form will not mar his promising season with the Black Cats.

Remaining round-up

Brendan Galloway continues to struggle for minutes with Sunderland. Matthew Pennington meanwhile, has found some game time at Leeds, but has not impressed at centreback. He could be dropped next week. Harry Charsley has not made the bench for Bolton in February.

In Suffolk, Callum Connolly continues to log minutes with Ipswich Town. Likewise, Antonee Robinson is a consistent starter with Bolton Wanderers, whilst Joe Williams is proving a crucial piece in the Barnsley midfield. The Tykes have changed manager this week, but expect Williams to keep his first team spot.

Next: 3 takeways from Everton's 3-1 win at Crystal Palace

In the lower leagues, neither Boris Mathis, nor Louis Gray have started for Northampton Town and Carlisle United respectively. Sam Byrne has recently departed for Dundalk, who play in the Irish Premier Division. He is yet to start.

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