According to a recent report by renowned journalist Duncan Castles (via the Daily Star), Everton are interested in securing the signature of LOSC Lille midfielder Thiago Mendes during the summer transfer period. However, the same source has also revealed that the Toffees could move in for the Brazilian talent if Idrissa Gueye ends up quitting the Merseyside club in favour of a move to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of this season.
In the Transfer Window Podcast (via the Daily Star), Castles provided an update and said, “He’s now a candidate for also Everton. They were considering him in January when it looked possible that Paris St-Germain might take Idrissa Gueye from them and they saw Thiago as a potential replacement for Gueye.”
Mendes’ Successful Spell In France
The 27-year-old has enjoyed a solid campaign with Lille so far after putting in a series of commanding displays for them at the centre of the park during this season. Since making a high-profile switch from Sao Paulo in the summer of 2017, the Brazilian has been a solid presence in midfield for the Ligue 1 outfit.
Mendes has featured in 33 matches for Christophe Galtier’s team this term and has three assists across all competitions. More importantly, he has made an average of 2.4 tackles, 1.9 interceptions and 1.2 clearances per game in the French top-flight thus far (Stats taken from Whoscored).
What Will The Brazilian Bring To Goodison Park?
The Lille talent can be considered as one of the most productive defensive midfielders in French football. He can make vital interceptions for his team and is a hard man to beat on the dribble. He is a terrific tackler of the ball and has a knack for making last-ditch clearances when his team needs him to step up the most.
There is no doubt that Mendes will improve Marco Silva’s midfield options at Goodison Park. If Gueye does end up leaving the Toffees this summer, then the Ligue 1 prospect could be an ideal replacement for him who will add even more defensive solidity to the Everton midfield.
At 27, Mendes is currently playing the best football of his career so the Merseyside outfit will benefit from acquiring his talents in this off-season. The Brazilian sensation will not only increase competition for places within Silva’s squad but will also add more depth in Everton’s midfield.
