Noel Whelan believes that Theo Walcott is better off at Southampton than at Everton.
The former Leeds United striker, who now works as a pundit for BBC Radio Leeds, does not believe that Walcott could make the most of chances he got at the Toffees.
The 31-year-old ex-Arsenal forward returned to his former club Southampton on summer transfer deadline day on a loan deal from Everton.
Whelan told Football Insider: “Walcott was clearly not in Ancelotti’s plans. He was given an opportunity to shine when he first came in but he did not do it. Let’s be honest, he has not done it at Everton since he got there. It was not a good move for player or club.
“I think he will be better off at Southampton because the strength in depth now at Everton is fantastic. He is not going to get opportunities there.
“It is the best deal for everyone involved. Walcott gets to go to a club he knows well and it might be easier for him to get into the team there. Everton are a different animal now. They have better quality than Theo Walcott.”
Disappointing Everton spell
Walcott joined Everton from Premier League rivals Arsenal in January 2018 for more than £20 million, as reported by BBC Sport at the time.
The England international made 24 starts and 13 substitute appearances in the Premier League for the Toffees during the 2018-19 campaign, scoring five goals and providing two assists in the process, according to WhoScored.
During the 2019-20 campaign, Walcott made 17 starts and six substitute appearances in the league for the Merseyside club, scoring two goals and providing three assists in the process, according to WhoScored.
Everton are rated at 11/4 by Betfair to finish in the top four of the Premier League table this season.
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