Everton: Sean Dyche blocked player exit despite player being keen on the move

Everton had a disastrous winter transfer window, with no player incoming at Goodison Park. The Toffees needed a striker but their failure to sign a forward now leaves them with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Neal Maupay and recently recalled Ellis Simms as striking options.

Calvert-Lewin and Maupay have been underwhelming this season and need to find their form if the Toffees are to survive the relegation battle. The strikers have just scored two goals between them in 1200+ minutes of Premier League football.

In the beginning of January, Everton recalled Simms and Nathan Broadhead from their loan spells. It was a surprising move as both the loanees were performing well at their respective clubs, especially Simms. EFC activated their recall option to bring Simms back to Everton from Sunderland.

Broadhead was later sold to Ipswich on a permanent deal as the Toffees continued to search for a striker. Perhaps, Simms was a backup option that the Toffees wanted to keep in case Everton couldn’t get the desired targets on board, which is what eventually happened.

Sean Dyche blocked Ellis Simms loan exit

Simms was loaned to Sunderland at the start of the season and the 22 year old instantly hit th ground running at the Stadium of Light, scoring seven goals and assisting another two in 17 Championship games. He was well settled in Tony Mowbray’s side, progressing well and being an important part of the squad.

Recalling him to Everton would only work if he was to be given a certain role in the team. Simms did enjoy his time at Sunderland and was open to a loan back to the Championship side. According to The Northern Echo, the Black Cats did turn their attention to having Simms back on loan. There was hope that Sean Dyche would sanction a loan deal if the Toffees could seal the signing for their respective striker targets.

Simms was keen to return too but with no signing coming in, Dyche blocked the loan move for Simms. The 22 year old is now set to remain a part of the Everotn squad and help them in the relegation scrap.

Perhaps, there could be games where Simms could be seen partnering DCL up front and this would be an opportunity to seize and show the fans that he can get the job done.

Can Ellis Simms play an important role in Everton’s relegation battle?