Yannick Bolasie has rejoined Everton after making it clear to Aston Villa that he would like to try to force his way back into the first team at Goodison Park.
Bolasie moved to Villa on loan in August and was expected to stay for the remainder of the season, but his form has been indifferent and it is understood that the winger’s desire to return to Everton was not met with any resistance by the Championship club.
Villa have undergone a regime change since Bolasie arrived at the club, with Dean Smith replacing Steve Bruce as manager and Christian Purslow appointed as the club’s chief executive officer. The Midlands club are keen to promote their own talent – Andre Green, who plays in the same position as Bolasie, has been recalled from his loan spell at Portsmouth.
Bolaise, who joined Everton from Crystal Palace in 2016 for £25m, is believed to have been the highest earner at Villa Park. The 29-year-old has made 21 league appearances for Villa this season and scored twice.
It remains to be seen what sort of future he has at Everton. He ruptured a cruciate ligament against Manchester United in December 2016, forcing him to miss a year of football. Bolasie admitted a couple of months ago that he returned from injury too soon at Everton, and said that decision affected his performances last season.