According to Daily Mail, Everton have contacted 1.FSV Mainz over the potential transfer of Jean-Philippe Gbamin. Manager Marco Silva is seemingly keen on securing the services of a midfielder to replace the PSG-linked Idrissa Gueye. And the Mainz star has been identified as one of the potential candidates. The Bundesliga outfit values him at around £30 million, with the player keen on joining the Merseyside giants this summer.
Gbamin’s success in the Bundesliga
Gbamin joined Mainz in a €5 million move from Lens in the summer of 2016. The Ivorian endured a poor start to his Bundesliga career but enjoyed an excellent debut season overall, featuring in 25 league matches.
He then became a prominent part of the Mainz midfield, making at least 30 appearances in each of his last two seasons. Last season, the ex-Lens youth prodigy built a strong midfield partnership with the likes of Pierre Kunde Malong and Danny Latza that helped the 05-ers achieve a mid-table finish in the league.
Gbamin’s current contract at Mainz expire in 2023, but his departure could serve as a massive blow for the carnival club.
What can he bring to the table?
Gbamin is a versatile midfielder, who, aside from his preferred holding midfield role, can also feature in central midfield and even in defence, if needed. He is a fierce tackler and has excellent work-ethic that makes him invaluable to Mainz’s midfield unit.
Indeed, the Ivorian plays a crucial role in providing defensive cover for the backline. The fact that Gbamin averaged 1.6 tackles and one interception per game last season is indicative of his defensive work-rate.
Aside from that, the 23-year-old is adept in augmenting the midfield with his excellent passing range. He attained a pass completion rate of 80%, which is not bad for a Mainz player.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Should Everton splash the cash on Gbamin?
Gbamin is destined to thrive in the Premier League considering his physical prowess, which is coupled with an excellent technique that makes him one of the most sought-after midfielders in the Bundesliga. Besides, his seemingly telepathic combination with Latza at Mainz suggests that he could build good chemistry with Andre Gomes at Everton.
From a tactical perspective, the Ivorian international can be deployed in the double-pivot alongside Gomes. Alternatively, he can sit in as the lone number six, with Gylfi Sigurdsson and Gomes operating in an advanced midfield role.
The 23-year-old can even be utilised as a makeshift defender, which could be essential should Everton’s pursuit of Kurt Zouma fail. Hence, the Toffees should splash the cash on Gbamin, who can prove to be an ideal replacement for Gueye.
