Enner Valencia potentially set for permanent Everton switch

West Ham’s Ecuador international striker Enner Valencia looks to be on the way to making his move to Everton permanent. The Liverpool Echo reports that West Ham United is willing to part with Valencia for £12 million, which is less than the original £14.5 million that was reportedly the price that was negotiated in the loan agreement that saw Valencia go on loan to the Merseyside club.

Valencia has scored on three times this seasons in 19 total appearances for Everton this season, after appearing for West Ham seven times in July and August and scoring no goals. While he hasn’t managed to earn a permanent starting role at Everton, he has made the most of his substitute appearances, scoring all three of his goals for Everton as a substitute. He scored against Southampton in only 29 minutes of action in the second half, against Tottenham Hotspur in stoppage time after coming on in the 81st minute, and his goal against Hull City came after a minute of being subbed on in 13 minutes of action. He also assisted on Romelu Lukaku’s 1st goal of the day against Hull in stoppage time.

Valencia’s time at West Ham this season was much like the rest of his time at the East London club, fairly uninspiring despite starting the matches and usually playing the full 90 minutes. While it can be frustrating to see a former player play well at his next club, in this case it appears that Valencia has flourished in his role as “super-sub” for Everton. Two of his goals have come in the last four Premier League games and his impact has been felt in every game that he has come off the bench for in calendar year 2017, with The Liverpool Echo noting that Everton scores a goal every 15 minutes when he is on the pitch. So while Valencia will not be missed at West Ham, this might be case where the transfer benefits everyone involved. West Ham and Everton should work out the details to make the switch permanent and let Valencia fully settle in on Merseyside.