According to Sky Sports, Everton are one of three clubs that are in with an opportunity to sign Kevin Strootman this summer. The Dutch midfielder is available on loan as his club Marseille tries to cut down on wages following a turbulent campaign. The French giants finished sixth in the league table this season.
As a result, they are willing to send Strootman out on loan, with Everton, Manchester United and West Ham United among the clubs offered the chance to sign the midfielder.
Strootman’s revival at Marseille
Strootman became more of a forgotten figure after an injury-ravaged spell with AS Roma. The 29-year-old was sidelined for a total of almost two years due to various types of injuries. Although he did end up making 133 appearances for the Giallorossi, he was a bit-part player at the club, having managed to exceed the 2,500-minute mark only once during his five-season spell at the club.
However, Strootman managed to revive his career after moving to Marseille for £23 million last summer. He could only muster 1,850 minutes of league football during his debut campaign in the Ligue 1. But, his role in central midfield alongside Luiz Gustavo and Maxime Lopez played a critical role in Marseille’s sixth-placed finished in the league.
The Dutchman offered more solidity into the Marseille midfield that was always lacking balance. His ability to win back possession also made Les Olympiens much more vigilant in the middle of the park. The 29-year-old ended the campaign, averaging more tackles than anyone else in the team.
Should Everton make a move for Strootman?
Everton had one of the most impressive midfield units in the Premier League during the second half of the campaign. However, Tottenham Hotspur are battling hard with Everton in their pursuit of Andre Gomes while Idrissa Gueye has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer.
Hence, the Toffees are in desperate need of reinforcements in the midfield department. And the temporary signing of someone like Strootman could bode well for Marco Silva’s team. The Dutchman would be an upgrade to Morgan Schneiderling in central midfield. He can also provide solid cover for Gueye if he ends up staying at the club. But most importantly, he could be an ideal alternative for Gomes, should Everton miss out on their pursuit of the Portuguese international.
Strootman’s physicality, aggression and work-ethics make him a tailor-made fit for Silva’s tactical philosophy at Goodison Park. And given his vast experience in top-flight European football, he could find it easier to integrate to the fast-paced nature of the Premier League.
However, it will be interesting to see whether or not Marseille will be willing to add an option to buy clause in Strootman’s temporary contract. But in the meantime, the Dutchman looks like a viable option for the Toffees.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
