Everton will soon have a decision to make on whether to stick or twist with Theo Walcott – the 31-year-old is out of contract next year, has struggled for consistency and has seen his market value drop during his stint at Goodison Park.
His form has improved since Carlo Ancelotti was appointed Everton manager, but whether that’s enough to earn him a new deal remains to be seen. If the Toffees wish to sell him, they may not have a lot of suitors willing to pay due to his low goal output and lofty wages.
Walcott joined the Toffees from Arsenal for in excess of £20m in 2018 and has gone on to make 79 appearances in all competitions, scoring 10 goals. The former England international is headed for his worst return since the move, however, contributing only three Premier League goals before the season was postponed due to Covid-19.
As per WhoScored, Walcott has amassed 1,071 minutes of top-flight football, created 13 chances, whipped in 34 crosses with a 23.5% accuracy rating, completed 67.8% of his 283 passes, won 30% of his aerial duels, made 13 successful dribbles (52%), had 28 shots with 28.5% accuracy, drawn 16 fouls and averaged a tackle (10) or interception (6) every 67 minutes.
The 31-year-old signed a three-and-a-half-year deal at Everton upon his arrival and could leave on a free transfer next year if no contract extension comes his way. Walcott’s market value has dropped too, with CIES rating him between €7m-€10m (£6.43m-£9.17m), so the Merseysiders may take a loss on his sale.
It’s hard to see potentially suitors paying anywhere near the £20m Everton spent on a winger earning £100k-per-week/£5.2m-a-year who’s only had a hand in three league goals this season. Everton could instead retain his services past 2021, but would that be a good move?