Nobody likes to be second choice in any walk of life. But that is exactly where Everton found themselves in January when pursuing a loan move for Villarreal's Arnaut Danjuma.
The transfer would have been a huge boost for their survival hopes. The player travelled to Finch Farm and completed his medical. The transfer was so far along that Danjuma had promotional photos taken and had completed an in-house interview for the club social media channels. It was all systems go to get the deal announced until the phone rang. Within moments, the move had fallen apart. Tottenham Hotspur had made a late loan proposal and that was enough to pry Danjuma away from Merseyside and take him to north London.
In footballing terms it could be argued the move was a mistake, but money and the dazzling lights of the Champions League tempted him to head to the capital.
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Five months later Danjuma’s loan spell had concluded in disappointing fashion. He made 12 appearances across all competitions, with just one start. The Dutchman managed to score a single goal for Spurs and his lack of game time was viewed as karma by Everton supporters. There is no doubting Danjuma would’ve played a much more significant role at Goodison Park.
He may have taken the Toffees for a ride in January but now it looks like Everton are willing to give Danjuma a second chance. The 26-year-old is reportedly closing in on a season-long loam move to Goodison Park. In classic rom-com fashion, the lead initially picked the wrong option before discovering what was in front of him the whole time. Finally Everton have got their man.
Sean Dyche did a grand job to keep his team in the top flight last term but after two years looking over their shoulder, the former Burnley boss wants to turn Everton’s fortunes around. He clearly has higher ambitions for the team and it has convinced Danjuma to keep his word this time and ply his trade in L4.
This second chance also allows Danjuma a shot at redemption. He angered the supporters with his late change of heart in the last transfer window and he has got a lot of making up to do, even if he’s joining on a short-term deal, to change his reputation amongst the fan base.
He probably knew what kind of initial reception he would get on Merseyside but if anything it shows his desire to earn their forgiveness and gain their affection in time. He probably won’t apologise in his first club interview but it would certainly go a long way to building bridges. But as always, the quickest way to a supporter’s heart is by performing on the pitch. If Danjuma can have an instant impact for the Toffees and quickly become a key player to the team, the crowd will soon forgive his previous mistake and embrace him as one of their own.
*18+ | BeGambleAware
