Everton are enjoying an intriguing transfer window under Dutch boss Ronald Koeman who, despite losing their key marksman Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United, has secured deals for a number of highly rated prodigies.
They have brought in former Barcelona forward Sandro Ramirez who enjoyed a high-scoring campaign with La Liga outfit Malaga. Also, Ajax skipper Davy Klaassen, Sunderland custodian Jordan Pickford and Burnley defender Michael Keane have completed big money moves for the Merseysiders.
The Toffees have also hijacked a deal for young Nigerian hitman Henry Onyekuru under the nose of Arsenal and have re-signed English legend Wayne Rooney – the local lad who moved to Manchester United back in 2004 at the age of 18.
However, their summer spending does not stop here! If reports are believed to be true, Everton have closed a deal for Swansea City playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson who will cost them around £32 mil.
The 27-year old Icelandic international is an experienced Premier League resource who completed a move from Bundesliga outfit Hoffenheim back in 2012. Following his successful loan spell with newly promoted Swansea City, League heavyweights Tottenham Hotspur brought him in for £8.8 million.
Sigurdsson, meanwhile, found himself unsettled at North London and was sent down the pecking order at Spurs behind many other options. He returned to Swansea on a permanent deal in July 2014 – a couple of years later and has become a key figure for the Wales outfit ever since.
Sigurdsson enjoyed a scintillating 2016-17 campaign for the Swans and helped them avoid a relegation scare under Paul Clement. He netted 10 and assisted 13 times in 40 appearances across all competitions and is now being monitored by several Premier League big guns due to his persistent progress.
Barkley, the 23-year old English international, is currently under contract until next summer and has agitated Koeman by denying a new deal time and again. He wants a bigger move amidst interest from Tottenham Hotspur and the Dutch boss has identified Sigurdsson as his replacement in attacking midfield role.
Everton, who have been qualified for Europa League third qualification round, are keen to increase their squad depth and Sigurdsson will provide them experience, consistency as well as versatility in midfield. Although predominantly a ‘trequartista’, he has also been utilised on the flanks and in a deeper midfield role.
He has great passing traits along with imposing crossing skills. Moreover, he loves to cut inside, do layoffs and poses a massive threat from counter attacks. He is hailed for his long-range stunners, set-piece proficiency and strong finishing attributes. He is currently at peak of his career and has years of football left in him.
A move for Sigurdsson, thus, makes sense for the Toffees who are building an exciting team capable of troubling Premier League’s ‘Top Six’ and keep pushing for Champions League dreams.
