Everton have kicked off their January transfer activity with a deal which has been in the offing for quite a while now. And after Jose Mourinho’s admission after their win against Hull City, it seems Everton and Manchester United have thrashed out a deal.
“Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward informed me that the situation is close. Morgan is more than probably going to Everton.
“I am sad and happy, sad because I like him and he could be an option for us, happy because this is what he wants, to play every game and be important in the team.”
But amidst the hullabaloo over this big money transfer, Koeman has also been working towards a slightly low key affair with the supposed pursuit of Hull City winger Ahmed Elmohamady.
The wide man has got a year left on his current contract and Everton are looking to take advantage of the somewhat precarious situation involving the player and the club.
Ronald Koeman has looked assured in his new surroundings and with the club in the 7th position, one can say that the Toffees are the best amongst the rest of the division. The Top 6 are in a league of their own and the former Southampton manager knows that to keep up the pressure on the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal, he has to strengthen his team who haven’t been the most consistent till now.
Given the two clubs’ current positions in the Premier League table, it may be difficult for the former Sunderland man to turn a switch to Goodison Park down if he is given the chance.
Born in Basyoun, El Gharbia, Egypt, Elmohamady started his youth career at Ghazl El-Mahalla in 2003. He started to play for the first team in 2004 at the age of 17. Two years later, he joined ENPPI. Although he started off as a striker, he played as a right-sided defender in his new club.
On 1 July 2010, Elmohamady joined Sunderland after passing medicals for a season-long loan move from ENPPI for a £500,000 fee, with an option of a permanent deal for £2 million next summer. After being on loan from Sunderland for the 2012–13 season on 28 June 2013 Elmohamady signed a three-year contract to become a permanent member of the Hull City squad.
He made his debut on the first day of the 2013–14 season in a 2–0 loss away at Chelsea. On 21 September 2013 Elmohamady scored his first goal in the 2013–14 Premier League season against Newcastle United. On 17 May 2014, he played in the FA Cup Final, which Hull lost 3–2 against Arsenal.
His versatile nature is probably the reason why Koeman might be interested in him. And the relatively low fee is also an enticing factor. His experience in English football will be crucial and his ability to play further up the pitch as well as in the right-back and right wing-back will also come in handy. Bolasie’s return in a year might dissuade Koeman from adding any out and out winger other than Depay to the team.
