Everton have taken a rather slow approach with just one major signing in the form of Maarten Stekelenburg to the transfer market which was a bit unexpected. 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 finally expected to announce themselves truly in the market.
The squad Ronald Koeman inherited from his predecessor Roberto Martinez lacks quality and with the financial backing of the new owner Farhad Moshiri, the Toffees are expected to be one of the most active clubs during the summer. As per The Telegraph, the Merseyside Blues have identified the poster boy of Icelandic football Gylfi Sigurdsson as their marquee signing who would cost the club £25m.
It would be a no-brainer from to splash £25m for one of Premier League best-attacking midfielders in the past few seasons. The six-time Icelandic Footballer of the Year would be a welcome addition to Goodison Park courtesy to his significant experience in the Premier League.
Sigurdsson is not the quickest for a number ten but he makes up for it with his exceptional passing ability. The 26-year-old can unlock the tightest of defence with his eye for passing. The Iceland international is blessed with a gifted positioning ability and can make intelligent late runs into the box.
What Sigurdsson offers to the team is goals from midfield on a consistent basis. The 26-year-old netted 11 goals last season in the Premier League from 36 games and that would be beneficial for Everton who struggled for goals whenever Romelu Lukaku failed to deliver.
A brilliant set piece taker, Sigurdsson can also fire in from direct free kicks. The Iceland international has a knack to test the keeper from a long distance and has scored some stunners over the years.
Sigurdsson’s addition puts Ross Barkley’s place in the starting XI in jeopardy. The Englishman burst onto the scene at a young age with plenty of promise but he has lost that momentum previous season. The 22-year-old might be pushed out wide or could see his game time largely reduced.
We have seen Lukaku craving for a better creative department behind him and with Sigurdsson, the Belgian might change his mind and stay put at the Merseyside club. Sigurdsson has just entered his peak and is naturally a fit a player. If Everton can pull it off, it will be one hell of a signing.
