Sir Landon Of Donovan

[Christiffa25]

No it would not have, we knew the full details of Fers injury, we would have had the medical reports on his injury and operation days before he was in the UK for a medical. He passed his medical, the only issue was us trying to change the payment structure.

We wanted to change the payment structure due to what showed up on the medical. No he didn't fail it, but there was something that made us want to change the payment structure to safeguard ourselves against a future breakdown.

You think after what happened with us other teams attempting a transfer this summer wouldn't use that to get the fee down?

 

[Allezfan]

Think you've got the wrong person tbh. I can't ever remember arguing for Mirrallas to remain on the bench in favour of someone else. I've always peaked off Mirallas, and only ever bemoaned his lack of fitness that has been sorted by Healing Hans. I've never not rated Mirallas.

No I distinctly remember talking with you about whether Mirallas had nailed down his place and so we didn't need Donovan and you disagreeing.

Here's an example.

Anyone who would have Mirallas starting ahead of Donovan is insane IMO.

 

[Essex Blue]

No I distinctly remember talking with you about whether Mirallas had nailed down his place and so we didn't need Donovan and you disagreeing.

Here's an example.

Fair enough, if the conversation included a comparison to Donovan then the point still stands. Donovan was class, and his assist ratio will take some beating. I wouldn't be convinced that Mirallas is better than Donivan at his peak, or even at the standard he played at for Everton.

 

[EFCPaul]

Is he too old now? Does he still have pace? If he can still whip in a sharp ball like he could before then I wouldn't mind bringing him in as a squad player for the hectic January-March period if he were up for it. My guess is that he wouldn't be though. The last few years he's harped on about not being in love with the game anymore so I doubt he'd be jumping to come over again, especially if it's just to sit on a bench and be a spare part.

 

[Jags..class]

Cant be arsed with him now, this should have happed 2 seasons ago. He not got the hunger to play for us for starters. He likes his American life too much, cant blame him.

 

[pablo_p]

Is he too old now? Does he still have pace? If he can still whip in a sharp ball like he could before then I wouldn't mind bringing him in as a squad player for the hectic January-March period if he were up for it. My guess is that he wouldn't be though. The last few years he's harped on about not being in love with the game anymore so I doubt he'd be jumping to come over again, especially if it's just to sit on a bench and be a spare part.

Is he too old now? - Debatable. He's over 30 which some deem to be a bad thing. But he's been hanging about in a 'lesser league' (no offence), and has looked after himself. Personally, I don't think he is.

Does he still have pace? - Yes. No doubt about it. See his goal against El Salvador yesterday for an example of this. Plus, as I said previously, MLS isn't as taxing as the PL, and he's looked after himself = Still in very good nick, and very pacy.

His passing is as intelligent as ever, and I think he'd thrive in a 4-2-3-1 cum 4-1-2-3; which is, by all accounts, what we've been tinkering with in pre-season.

He's on a dwindling contract, could cover multiple positions and wouldn't cost the earth, is quick, intelligent and technically gifted. He's exactly the type of player we should be looking at.

 

[Essex Blue]

Everyone's got their own favourite players. But I've always loved your creative forward types. Beardsley, Barmby and Donovan are the three greatest players I have seen in an Everton shirt in that regard. That comes from someone born in the mid 80's.

 

[chriswho]

I think it would have been very easy for him to come full-time if he wanted. He chose to sign an extension with the Galaxy after his last spell here.

Not true.
He signed a 4 year extension BEFORE his first loan spell with us. That contract ends this december. As things stand now, he would be available on a free this January.

If Moyes were still here, I think his return would have been quite likely. he seems to just be hitting his stride again after his sabbatical and seems unlikely that he would not want another challenge leading into the next world cup.

If it looks like Klinsmann will include him in the full WC squad (he's making a strong case with the gold cup right now), I think he may plan to sign with us for the second half of this season (leading into the WC) and then he may or may not stick around full time for another year or two. He definitely still has a 1-3 TOP quality years left.

However, if klinsmann takes a hard line with him and it looks like he's on the outside looking in, Donovan may decide he doesn't need more challenges and just stay in MLS for another year or so (or even just retire).

 

[DualityNSNO]

Please not this again.

 

[Moomin]

We wanted to change the payment structure due to what showed up on the medical. No he didn't fail it, but there was something that made us want to change the payment structure to safeguard ourselves against a future breakdown.

You think after what happened with us other teams attempting a transfer this summer wouldn't use that to get the fee down?

What showed up on the medical, would have been the same thing in his medical reports, we tried to pull a fast one on the Dutch lot, and they will not budge if a deal has been agreed.

 

[Wratho]

Landon would be free in the winter.. That being said he was taking a corner yesterday and was getting bottles, cups all sorts thrown at him from the El Salvador fans... A pair of sunglasses were thrown at him, he tried to give to the ref and he did not want it watch the GIF....

http://assets.sbnation.com/assets/2940945/donovanshades.gif

he had a goal and 4 assists yesterday... yeah he is way too old.

 

[Mogsy_Efc]

 

[Wratho]

 

[toffeejack]

Now we've bought Kone then it's probably unlikely, but Demba Ba would be a wicked signing.

wow that's the first time i've heard anyone say wicked since 1993

 

[TX Bill]

Ok.

So I can see legitimate arguments for and against Landon coming back to Everton FC in any playing capacity. I'll lay out a few of my own:

FOR

1) Yes, he can still play and effectively too. Leaving out the rigors of the Premier League, I believe that he could add value to Everton.
2) Cost effective in terms of wages (he'd have to take a pay cut in my opinion) and if we could get him on a free or "minimal" transfer fee.
3) Knows the club and the players. Yes management is different but that wouldn't be an issue in terms of Donovan adapting.
4) Our squad isn't the deepest, even with the players we've acquired. Premier League teams could do worse than having a player like LD in reserve.
5) Would probably be willing to accept a reduced role with the club knowing several players would be ahead of him in the pecking order.
6) Would give our attack some bite that frankly, Evertonians have been begging for over the past several years.
7) He's a known quantity. We KNOW what we're getting with Landon so not near as much of a risk as any other transfer target.

AGAINST

1) Age. Yeah, He's 30 and while that isn't ancient, he isn't a spring chicken either.
2) No value in bringing him on a permanent deal IF you're looking to sell him later. A long term deal wouldn't work either. Max two years.
3) Everton HAVE improved their attack and so spending money on a player like Donovan at this stage would have to be seriously looked at due to our current financial situation.

For me, the pros far outweigh the cons in having LD come back to Everton to fill any attacking role he's asked to fill. He's also a solid citizen and would represent Everton well (as has done so before)

If someone wants to say "we don't need him" I can't really argue with that TODAY. Midway through the season when players start getting knocks, injuries, etc.... he could be invaluable.

I say bring him back but ONLY if the price in terms of wages/fees is right.