Steven Pienaar happy to see transfer window close
Everton winger Steven Pienaar today spoke of his relief that the transfer window had finally slammed shut.
The player had been the subject of much speculation over the summer linking him with a move away from the Toffees. Several reports had suggested he was in line for a move to Everton’s English Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur in a part-exchange deal for England striker Peter Crouch.
However, no such moves have taken place and after the transfer window closed yesterday the South Africa international will be staying at Goodison Park.
Now that the rumours over Pienaar’s future have been put to bed for the time being, the 28-year-old is ready to give his full focus on helping Everton compete for a top-four finish this season, and with it, entry into the UEFA Champions League.
He was quoted by the Liverpool Daily Post newspaper as saying that: "The transfer deadline is over and it’s nice to be able to be focused on continuing at Everton."
Contract nearing end
Everton’s eagerness to hang on to the player may come at a price, however, as he is in the last year of his contract and will be able to join any other club for no fee next summer. However, it is believed that Goodison Park chiefs have been in talks with the player over him extending his stay on Merseyside.
Pienaar arrived at Everton two years ago from German Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund after being with the EPL club on loan during the 2007-08 season. He has made 86 appearances across all competitions for David Moyes’ team, scoring eight goals in total. He was also named as the club’s player of the season for his strong performances in the 2009-10 campaign.
During his five seasons at Ajax, Pienaar won two Eredivisie titles, two Dutch Cups and two Johan Cruyff Shields.
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