According to Ruhrnachrichten, Everton are one of the clubs eyeing a move for Borussia Dortmund midfielder Shinji Kagawa. The Japanese international returned from a short loan spell at Besiktas. But, he will be looking for a new club this summer, and a return to Turkey has already been ruled out due to Besiktas’ financial shortcomings.
As a result, the Toffees are keen to bring Kagawa back to the Premier League. However, Everton aren’t the only one chasing after his signature, with West Ham United also said to be interested in his services.
Kagawa’s recent struggles
Kagawa is widely regarded as one of Asia’s best players within the past decade or so. But, the ex-Manchester United midfielder hasn’t exactly enjoyed a good time after returning to Dortmund in 2014, especially in recent seasons.
He was a bit-part player under Peter Bosz and Peter Stoger last campaign, mustering only 1,165 minutes of Bundesliga football. And it went from bad to worse under new coach Lucien Favre last season. The Swiss mastermind often overlooked Kagawa and has deemed him surplus to the requirements for next season.
As a result, he featured in only 98 minutes of league football during the Hinrunde last year. And ideally, a loan move to Besiktas followed, where the experienced midfielder was involved in six goals in 14 matches. Kagawa wasn’t as successful at Besiktas as he would have liked, having failed to help his side secure the Turkish Superliga.
Should Everton make a move for Kagawa?
Everton’s move for Kagawa makes sense for several reasons. For one, the Japanese international will be able to provide more composure in midfield. His nimble footwork and ability to create chances will undoubtedly revamp Everton’s creative department.
But, on the flip side, Kagawa’s decline in recent years has been rather evident. He has also struggled with a lack of consistency, which certainly won’t go down well with Marco Silva. He could, however, provide excellent cover for Gylfi Sigurdsson. And he can be deployed in central midfield as well, which could be useful, should Everton miss out in their pursuit of Andre Gomes this summer.
What makes Kagawa such an appealing target for Everton is that he could be a relatively cheaper option when compared to other options in the market. His current contract with Dortmund expires at the end of next season, and given his struggles in recent years, he could be available for a cut-price this summer.
