According to Manchester Evening News, Manchester City have agreed terms with Everton for the sale of Fabian Delph. The Premier League champions are set to offload the England international, who is deemed surplus to requirements for Pep Guardiola next season. It is believed that the Toffees have agreed to fork out £8.5 million for the services of Delph, who could become the third signing for the club this summer.
Why Everton should make a move for Delph
Everton’s problems in midfield have already been well documented. Even though the Merseyside giants have managed to secure the return of Andre Gomes, they still have a shallow midfield department with Gomes and Idrissa Gueye the only reliable options at the base of Marco Silva’s 4-2-3-1.
Morgan Schneiderlin has mostly struggled under the Portuguese mastermind, despite a promising run of form during the final phase of last season. Another option is Tom Davies, but he is more of an advanced midfielder while the likes of Beni Baningime and James McCarthy have struggled with injuries.
Delph, to that end, could provide the much-needed depth in Everton’s midfield department. He can offer excellent cover for the likes of Gomes and Gueye. However, most importantly, he can also also be considered as a backup for Lucas Digne, with Leighton Baines already in the final phase of his career.
Where does Delph fit in at Everton?
From a sporting perspective, Delph’s addition to Everton makes complete sense. But let us discuss the tactical aspect of his potential inclusion to the first-team.
A central midfielder by trade, Delph can be easily slotted into the double pivot alongside either of Gomes or Gueye. Alternatively, he can also sit in as a holding midfielder in case of a 4-1-4-1. Delph’s work-ethic and willingness to win back possession for his team should help him thrive in that said role.
Elsewhere, the 29-year-old, as mentioned earlier, can provide backup for Digne. The England international was deployed as a makeshift left-back by Guardiola at Manchester City, before the emergence of Oleksandr Zinchenko last season. And Silva could well use the same formula until the club opts to sign a new left-back.
Experience will become a key factor
One of the most significant assets Delph will offer to the table at Everton is his vast experience in the English top flight. Indeed, the ex-Aston Villa captain has notched up 169 appearances in the Premier League, which could be useful for a relatively young Everton side.
Furthermore, the Man City star is an excellent motivator and has leadership qualities. He will thus be able to benefit the team even when he’s not on the pitch. So to conclude, Everton manager Silva could potentially pull off a masterstroke by signing Delph for just £8.5 million this summer.
