Everton academy product Ellis Simms spent the second half of 2021-22 season on loan at Hearts. In Scotland, the youngster produced some fine performances giving evidence of the abundant talent he possesses.
Everton signed Salomon Rondon on a free transfer last season so that he could provide backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison and be a formidable striking force off the bench. His arrival meant that Everton youngsters like Simms and Lewis Dobbin would rarely get first team opportunities. Nathan Broadhead had already left on loan to Sunderland.
One year since Rondon’s transfer, the Venezuelan has failed to create the impact that was expected from him at Goodison Park. In 23 games for the Toffees this season, the 32 year old netted just three goals, two of which came in the FA Cup against National League side Boreham Wood.
Rondon’s current deal runs till 2023 with an option to extend for another year. With Frank Lampard targeting a squad overhaul this summer, now would be the right time to offload Rondon and trust the youth strike force at the club.
Ellis Simms should be trusted with Everton’s backup striker role instead of Salomon Rondon
La Liga side Real Mallorca are said to be interested in signing the 32 year old. There are other Spanish sides too in the chase. Everton will generate a profit from the Rondon sale as long as there’s a bid on the table as the Toffees signed him on a free transfer.
Simms has returned from his loan adventure, scoring seven goals in 21 appearances for the Hearts of Midlothian. Brimming with confidence, Simms should be entrusted with the duty of being a backup. He’s got power in him, he’s got speed and he’s got goals in him. Lampard loves to work with youngsters and helps them in building confidence.
The Toffees should place their trust in Simms and cash in on Rondon this summer. At 21, Simms has plenty of time on his side to work on himself and sharpen his skills. Instead of sending him out on another loan, keeping him in the vicinity of the first team and handing him out opportunities to prove his worth will do a whole lot of good to his game and to his confidence.
Perhaps, entrusting a youngster with almost no Premier League experience is risky but with an ecosystem conducive to growth, Simms should do well. For Rondon, he’s likely to get more playing time at Mallorca than he will get at Everton.
Should Ellis Simms be trusted with a backup role?