Many Everton fans on the Grand Old Team forum have been discussing the future of Ellis Simms lately, as news on his future remains thin.
The prolific youth striker’s current terms only run until this summer, and his potential availability for nothing more than compensation had sparked rumours that Bayern Munich were interested in a move.
The Bavarian giants were not alone, either, as multiple Bundesliga and Ligue 1 sides were said to be circling Merseyside with an eye on the 18-year-old, who has fired home an astonishing 36 goals in 29 games this season – taking his Toffees youth record to 40.
Everton chiefs were understood to be keen on tieing Simms down to a long-term professional deal earlier in the year, and Marco Silva himself has been impressed with his U18s record, but progress has been slow and no senior debut has yet been offered.
With the Under 18 and Under 23 seasons both over now, we may have already seen the last of Simms in an Everton shirt, unless progress can be made in the final months of the footballing year.
For the fan’s perspective on Simms’ future, here’s what some supporters have said on the Grand Old Team forum…
“Even if he is refusing a new contract, he can not leave for free. He will be unable to play for any club at all until what would be considerable compensation is agreed which may result in him having a year out.
“You cannot just walk out on a club who has invested so much in your development these days.” – Boris (May 2, 06:08)
“He’s the new Dixie lid!!!!” – Rob Latchford (May 2, 06:11)
“Can’t understand this, at 17 he could of signed a 3-year deal, at 18 (he was 18 in Jan) he could of signed five-year deal.” – Havrey0123 (May 2, 09:30)
“Maybe a deal is done just not announced? Maybe he doesn’t want to stay with us?” – Nymzee (May 2, 09:47)
“People are moaning about a player who’s literally still at the club? Why not wait to see what happens?” – KillenEFC (May 2, 09:56)
“Scoring loads of goals at kid level is meaningless in terms of the pro game. Lads got talent, hopefully we have a future star in the making.” – Kenshin (May 2, 10:08)
“Maybe his agent has been doing the rounds with other clubs and is looking for the best deal. Ellis is a great goalscorer like [Romelu] Lukaku, and is like Lukaku in a lot of other ways, he has quite a lot to learn, but he is still very young.” –Cameron Manning (May 2, 11:03)
“This is a new low, we’re one short step away from labelling him a traitor and burning his shirt, whilst he still plays for the club. Excellent work.” – Bungle (May 2, 12:03)
“He might be doing a [Luke] Garbutt. [Bill] Kenwright will probably end up giving him a 5-year contract on a £50,000-a-week and he will never kick a ball for the first-team.” – PhilRegan (May 2, 12:39)