Joao Mario’s future is up in the air as West Ham United seek to permanently sign him from Inter Milan. Everton were thought to have been interested in sealing a move for him but they will not pursue the services of the Portuguese powerhouse.
Having signed for Inter Milan in 2016, Joao Mario failed to cement a spot in their starting line-up which eventually saw him join West Ham United on a loan deal. The Hammers included a €1.5 million loan fee, with a further option to buy the talented midfielder for a sum in the region of €40 million.
Everton now believe that a move for Joao Mario will fall through and have stopped their pursuit of the Portuguese international. They must now look to consider alternative choices from elsewhere. 3 such players are as followed.
Fernando
If Premier League experience is a criterion they look for in a midfielder, then they do not have to search far. Former Manchester City midfielder Fernando would bring experience into the Everton midfield. He currently plies his trade in Turkey with Galatasaray. Strong on the ball with the ability to open up play from the back, he sits deep in midfield and acts as a cover to both central defenders. He puts in a strong tackle and chooses the perfect time to release the ball into the path of his counter-attacking teammates.
Arturo Vidal
The Chilean ace would be another fantastic option for the Toffees. If they are willing to spend the cash, then they might as well spend it on a player who is known for his robust combative style. Vidal would slot in well amongst the Everton midfield. The Chilean midfielder could partner up with Idrissa Gueye in the centre of the park.
A Gueye and Vidal partnership would undeniably look formidable. In Marco Silva’s style of play, the 31-year-old would sit and act as an insurance policy in front of the Everton defence while Gueye would bomb upfield and help Everton dismantle the opposition while on the counter.
Mousa Dembele
This Belgian star of Tottenham Hotspur would also be an interesting and effective addition to add to the Toffees midfield. Despite his big stature, while on the field, Dembele gives the impression that he has a low centre of gravity and it is hard to shake him off the ball as he possesses good close control and displays physicality. He has a good range of passing and wins back the ball well. He is strong in the air and does not feel afraid to have a run at the opposition defenders. Dembele would link up well in a three-man midfield alongside Davies and Gueye.
Everton need not panic at their failed attempt to lure Joao Mario to the Merseyside. They have a vast array of options to pick from and should be able to find a like-to-like replacement for the Portuguese midfielder.
