Theo Walcott applauds the Everton fans (Getty Images)
According to a report from the Daily Mirror, Everton are preparing to offload Theo Walcott as they look to rebuild their squad with young players. Walcott has struggled with form this season but the report claims Southampton are interested in re-signing him this summer.
The 30-year-old forward joined Everton in January 2018 and after impressing in the first few months under former manager Sam Allardyce, his form faded. He hasn’t managed to regain his form this season either, falling out of favour recently under Marco Silva.
Walcott has managed just 16 minutes of football from the bench in the club’s last three fixtures, with the likes of Richarlison, Bernard and Ademola Lookman all in front of him in the pecking order. His inconsistency and lack of end product has been a serious concern at Goodison Park and Marco Silva should sell him at the end of the season.
Southampton might benefit from having a player of Walcott’s quality and experience next season after enduring a torrid 2018/19 season so far. The Saints have improved leaps and bounds under Ralph Hasenhuttl, although they still continue to battle against relegation. But given the form they are in and Hasenhuttl’s influence at St. Mary’s, the Sea Coast side should avoid the drop.
Come summer, Southampton should look to bolster their squad for next season and the need of an outright winger is clear. Nathan Redmond has thrived in Hasenhuttl’s system, with the 25-year-old being deployed up front. Mohamed Elyounoussi arrived at St. Mary’s from FC Basel last summer amidst a lot of fanfare but has failed to put his mark on this Southampton side.
That’s why signing a player like Walcott would make sense for Hasenhuttl’s side. The 30-year-old has played over 450 games and scored 120 goals in his career so far. His versatility of playing anywhere across the front-line will provide Hasenhuttl a lot of options in the attack.
The ex-Arsenal man possesses good pace, dribbling skills, movement and energy to run around the pitch non-stop for 90 minutes. His pace and agility coupled with his direct approach would make him suited to Hasenhuttl’s exciting style of football at St. Mary’s.
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Also, Walcott’s top-flight experience over the years will be invaluable to Southampton, who are currently fighting tooth and nail to retain their top-flight status.
Walcott might have failed to live up to the high potential but at 30, there’s still a lot he can offer to the Saints. All in all, a dream return back to Southampton remains on the cards for the former England international.