Matthew Pennington Loan Confirms Everton Future is Over [Opinion]

Shropshire side Shrewsbury have confirmed their capture of Everton academy product Matthew Pennington on loan for the remainder of the season – but the move all-but-confirms a permanent Goodison Park exit.

The League One side, managed by Steve Cotterill, currently sit in 16th place and hope that the central defender can increase their solidity at the back.

Pennington has previously enjoyed loan spells with Leeds United, Ipswich Town and Hull City in the Championship.

The 26-year-old has not made a first team appearance since April 2017 and instead features for the Everton under-23s, where he has made nine appearances this season.

Given the player’s age and the fact that his contract expires in the summer, Everton look to have taken a similar approach to that of Theo Walcott and a likely loan deal for Yannick Bolasie.

All three players are set to be free agents in the summer, with loans in the final months of their deals signifying an acceptance to let the peripheral figures leave the Merseysiders in search of new pastures.

Equally, the Toffees can free up funds elsewhere by shifting unwanted players off of the Everton wage bill.

It was clear that Pennington, at 26, never had a true shot at integrating himself into Ancelotti’s thinking his confinement to the under-23s confirmed it.

A move to Shrewsbury makes sense for all concerned parties.

Pennington and Shrewsbury can be the beneficiaries of regular game-time for the defender, whilst there is a clear pathway for Pennington to make his stay a permanent one.

The deal represents efficient business from Everton who will look to shift unwanted players on in January.