According to Italian outlet Calciomercato (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton are interested in a transfer move for AS Roma winger, Pedro. The Spanish winger just recently left the Premier League. He joined the Serie A outfit last summer when he left Chelsea after a 5-year stay and now it looks like Everton want to hand him a return to England.
The report adds that the winger has two years left on his deal. The 33-year-old has had a long career already where he has spent a lot of time in some of Europe’s biggest leagues. As of now, he has played at Barcelona, Chelsea, and AS Roma. The La Masia product impressed in his first season in Italy as well.
The Toffees are in dire need of a recognized right-winger. They did have Theo Walcott up until a few weeks back, but that is about it. And that is a position that needs massive strengthening. Alex Iwobi and Bernard, like most wingers, can play on either wing but are both naturally used as left-wingers. This is where Pedro Rodriguez would fit in.
Bernard was not even used a lot last season, with Carlo Ancelotti just handing him three Premier League starts. They have largely played James Rodriguez down that side, with Iwobi making a bunch of appearances.
Walcott, on the other hand, has agreed to join Southampton. Amidst this, a winger like Pedro could offer dynamism down the right-wing, while acting as a replacement for the outgoing English winger.
The Spanish winger is no slouch. He is a serial winner, something that Everton need considering they have won no major trophies since 1995. Pedro boasts of a FIFA World Cup with Spain, 5 Spanish league titles, 3 UEFA Champions Leagues, and 1 Premier League title amongst a plethora of trophies. (h/t Transfermarkt)
Moreover, his statistics speak for themselves. Pedro has managed 158 goals and 97 career assists playing in three of Europe’s top leagues. Those are some serious numbers. Even this season, the 33-year-old managed 6 goals and 7 assists for Roma.
That is by no means a lot but is still more than Walcott’s 3 goals and 3 assists during the most recent campaign. In that sense, Everton would be getting an upgrade. Coupled with his winning pedigree, Pedro could be a very good replacement for Walcott down that side.
At 33, Pedro is by no means finished. He still has a few seasons left in him and Everton should make the most of that. He would, of course, not be a long-term solution. But he would fill the gaping void on the right flank. Pedro, as he has throughout his career, can also play on either wing or centrally if needed.
So if he does come to Everton, then he will bring a number of things – from experience to goals, to versatility. The question remains if the Toffees could seal a transfer for the Spaniard after just one year of him in Italy. But if they do, Everton fans should have little concern about Pedro.
After all, he played under Pep Guardiola at Barcelona, and the now-Manchester City manager even declared during their time together that the trophy-laden winger was “good enough to play for anyone” and has a “lot of ability”. This only speaks about his quality as a player.
