Anwar El Ghazi was loaned out to Everton in January after struggling for playing time at Aston Villa, but the 27-year-old’s temporary stint at Goodison Park couldn’t have gone worse.
El Ghazi has gone on to make just two Premier League appearances for the Toffees, amassing 11 minutes of football while failing to feature since February.
The Dutch international has been dropped by Frank Lampard despite no suggestion of an injury, so Everton aren’t likely to take up any permanent option when the season comes to a close.
El Ghazi doesn’t appear to have a future back at Villa either, with Steven Gerrard preferring advanced playmakers in a central role rather than wingers and wide forwards, so the writing is on the wall.
The 27-year-old joined Villa on a four-year deal from LOSC Lille in 2019 and has gone on to make 119 appearances in all competitions, scoring 26 goals with 16 assists.
El Ghazi’s deal at Villa Park is up in 2023, so the Midlands outfit may have to cash in this summer if they’re not going to extend his contract. Emiliano Buendia and Philippe Coutinho can operate in his position, so there’s little reason to keep him anymore.
In other news, Morgan Sanson could be benched for 24th time v Man City
