Luke Garbutt was released on a free transfer this summer, ending an 11-year stay at Everton, but he may have found himself a new club. According to the Sunderland Echo, Garbutt has held talks over a move to Sunderland and has a number of offers to weigh up before his future can be confirmed.
Were we right to get rid?
Yes. Garbutt made only 12 appearances in all competitions since joining Everton from Leeds in 2009 and never established himself as a first-team regular. The 27-year-old found himself behind Leighton Baines and later Lucas Digne in the pecking order and resorted to loan moves away to get regular football.
Garbutt made 37 appearances for Cheltenham Town (September 29, 2011 – May 31, 2012), 20 appearances for Colchester United (September 13, 2013 – January 28, 2014), 26 appearances for Fulham (July 25, 2015 – May 31, 2016), eight appearances for Wigan Athletic (August 16, 2016 – January 2, 2017), 36 appearances for Oxford United (July 2, 2018 – May 31, 2019) and 30 appearances for Ipswich Town (July 12, 2019 – May 31, 2020).
Garbutt spent so many years away from Everton that he eventually became a forgotten man. Carlo Ancelotti not knowing who the left-back was in a press conference highlighted that fact, so Everton were right to let him go.
Where is he likely to end up?
Garbutt has been recently linked with a move to Sunderland, but the Echo say he also has interest from clubs in the Championship and League One. The 27-year-old has a lot of experience in the Football League and impressed with promotion-chasing Ipswich last season, so he will be an asset for any club in the third tier.
As for Championship interest, it’s worth noting that Garbutt hasn’t played in the second tier for three years, so clubs may consider him a gamble. Time will tell. Regular football is essential at his age, so Garbutt may drop down if it means getting more opportunities.
Summary
With Garbutt failing to make the grade at Everton, his departure this summer was warranted. He’s had a lot of experience in League One, so the third tier might beckon. Sunderland are likely to be one of many clubs keen on the left-back, so there’s no guarantee that Garbutt will be a Black Cat.
In other news, Everton have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Gremio’s star striker