View: Everton loan star surely destined for summer exit as EFL loan struggles expose brutal reality

Elijah Campbell has failed to take advantage since joining Port Vale on loan from Everton.

Campbell has been with Everton’s youth setup since 2020, but he has managed just one senior appearance in the six years he has been on Merseyside.

That in itself speaks volumes about his future with the Toffees, even before taking into account several of his loan spells.

The 21-year-old has spent time at Fleetwood, Ross County and now Port Vale, with a total of 55 appearances across his time with those three clubs.

But with Everton likely to sanction several exits this summer, Campbell may well prove to be one of them.

Elijah Campbell’s loan struggles set up summer exit

Since joining Vale on loan in the winter transfer window, Campbell has made 12 appearances across all competitions, which is a valuable amount of gametime.

However, his numbers in those appearances are what make his future on Merseyside look bleak, especially given his contract situation.

His physicality is his biggest attribute, with the defender having won 60 per cent of his duels in League One, but it is the lack of quality on the ball which stands out.

Campbell has completed just 69 per cent of his attempted passes this season, while also completing just two dribbles.

Under David Moyes, Everton’s success has been built on their defensive players having the ability on the ball, which Campbell simply can’t offer.

What’s next for Campbell at Everton?

There is every chance that Moyes has a final look at the defender in pre-season before deciding on his next move, though it would have to be something special for him to emerge in his plans.

The most likely outcome is an operational exit from Merseyside, which would benefit all parties.

Campbell turns 22 at the start of August, and at that age, academy football or loans do not benefit his development, meaning a new permanent home could be on the cards.

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