According to the latest reports from the Sun as cited by the Independent, Everton are ready to make an offer of £16m for Manchester City’s versatile midfielder Fabian Delph. It is believed that the Merseyside club is willing to offer Delph a chance to play in his preferred midfield position.
Why might Delph himself want a move?
The English international managed to start just eight games in the Premier League last season. He is likely to find it tough to get regular game time at the club as the Premier League holders have bolstered their squad further by bringing in the likes of Angelino at left back and Rodri in midfield.
The 29-year-old is in the final year of his contract, and we feel that the Citizens should sell him if they get a decent offer for the England international. Delph will also be aware that to remain in Southgate’s setup, he needs to keep on playing regularly at the club level, and there seems to be no way back for Delph in the first team at the Etihad.
The midfielder was often used as a left back by Pep Guardiola, but the emergence of Oleksandr Zinchenko has limited his chances there as well.
The right choice for Marco Silva?
We think that Delph can turn out to be a shrewd signing for the Toffees in this window. The 29-year-old has often come under the scanner at City because of his defensive mistakes, but one needs to realise that left-back was never his natural position.
Delph can play as a defensive midfielder and as a central midfielder in the middle of the park. He is already used to playing in Guardiola’s possession style of play so the former Aston Villa player is going to be extremely comfortable on the ball and he can pick out his team-mates with some neat passes. Moreover, he is now an experienced campaigner and has played at the toughest of level with City in the last few years. His experience of being in England’s setup will also help a squad like Everton, which sometimes crumbles in the pressure games.
His versatility to play on the left flank or as a left back will also be a plus for the Portuguese manager. Silva can set up a strong midfield if he manages to bring in Delph as he already has some top players in the form of Idrissa Gueye and Andre Gomes. The addition of Delph will bring in more depth, quality and the much-needed experience to the Merseyside club.
