The slow approach Everton have taken in the early days of the transfer window was a bit surprising with just one major signing made so far in the form of Maarten Stekelenburg. However, it was a major statement of intent from the Blue half of Merseyside when they appointed Steve Walsh as their new director of football. With Walsh on board, Everton are now looking to introduce themselves strongly in the market.
The squad Ronald Koeman inherited from his predecessor Roberto Martinez lacks both quality and depth and bolstering looks imminent this window. With the financial backing of owner Farhad Moshiri, the wisdom of Koeman and the eye for talents of Walsh, Everton are likely to pull off a few wonderful pieces of addition this summer.
As per reports from The Guardian, Everton are prepared to contend with Serie A champions Juventus for the signature of French midfielder Moussa Sissoko. Although Newcastle United’s demand for £35m looks a bit outrageous, the aforementioned report claims that Merseyside outfit are willing to match the demands.
One good Euro tournament can change your whole career and Sissoko will know that very well. Didier Deschamps’ decision to select the Newcastle star came under scrutiny but the Frenchman turned out to be one of the Les Bleus’ standout performers in the tournament. Sissoko did such a brilliant job that in-form Kante was left out of the starting XI in the last few games of the tournament.
Versatility can prove to be a footballer’s biggest blessing as well as it could act as your biggest curse. Last season, it happened to be a bane for the 26-year-old as he was regularly deployed out wide on the right flank week in week out under McClaren and quite expectedly failed to perform. The arrival of Rafa Benitez gave life back to the Frenchman’s career who used him mostly as a number 10.
Sissoko could not inspire the Magpies to keep their Premier League status intact but his individual performance was quite decent. The Frenchman registered eight assists from 37 games while netting one goal during the whole season. Sissoko’s move to Everton could turn out to be a brilliant deal for both parties if Koeman can use him properly.
Sissoko offers his best when deployed as a box to box midfielder. He has it all for a complete box to box midfielder- physical strength, willingness to cover every blade of grass, creativity, eye for passes and natural fitness. With a deep sitting defensive midfielder alongside him, Sissoko could set the Premier League on fire if used as a number eight.
£35m is obviously a big fee but with the market so much inflated nowadays, there is no other way than to overspend if you want to bring the quality. Or else, you will have to be left out. Everton have the money to spend and should not have a second thought before meeting Newcastle’s demands.
