Everton have been dealt with a blow in their chase of Manchester United attacker Anthony Elanga. Elanga was a player that Frank Lampard really liked and wanted to bring to Goodison Park as the Toffees fight for Premier League survival.
The Swedish international hasn’t had a regular role under Erik ten Hag. The player has just had five starts in the Premier League and has slipped down the pecking order. Ten Hag prefers Alejandro Garancho over Elanga.
With the signing of Wout Weghorst and the return of Jadon Sancho to training, Elanga could see his playing time further diminish. A loan move away from Old Trafford would have suited all parties as Elanga would get regular playing time, which wouldn’t hinder his progress. Along with Everton, Borussia Dortmund have also been keen on the idea of taking Elanga on loan.
Everton have been in the hunt for attacking reinforcements and acquiring players on loan would be a smart option given the fickle finances of the club. Not many talented wingers are available on loan, so Elanga was definitely an attractive proposition for the Toffees.
Erik ten Hag blocks loan move for Anthony Elanga to Everton
The Toffees even enquired about the winger in the summer transfer window. The situation has changed since then as the 20 year old hasn’t been able to get a consistent run in the team. The arrival of Weghorst would allow Manchester United to make the decision of sending the Swede on loan.
According to Daily Star, Everton remain keen on Elanga but Manchester United boss Ten Hag has blocked an Everton loan move for the Swede. Lampard is a huge fan of Elanga and wanted to take him on loan until the end of the season as EFC try to save themselves from an embarrassing relegation.
Ten Hag is not willing to let Elanga go to Everton as the Dutch manager has serious concerns over the atmosphere at Goodison Park. EFC are clearly struggling and Ten Hag has concerns over the impact that the current situation would have on Elanga’s development.
The 20 year old could instead move to Dortmund as the player also prefers a move away from Manchester for the time being. United will now have to make a decision whether to sanction the loan deal or keep the Swede in the squad until the end of the season.
As for Everton, Arnaut Danjuma is close to joining Everton but more attacking reinforcements are needed, preferably a winger with a goalscoring pedigree.
With Anthony Elanga not coming to Goodison, which winger should EFC now target?