According to a recent report by the Daily Express, Everton are currently the favourites to secure the signature of Jean-Philippe Gbamin from FSV Mainz during this ongoing summer transfer window. However, the same source has also claimed that the Toffees will face stiff competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers in pursuit of the Bundesliga midfielder in this off-season.
Gbamin’s Best Season In German Football
The San-Pedro born prospect came through the youth ranks of RC Lens in France before he joined Mainz in the summer of 2016. The Ivory Coast talent had the best year of his playing career after he put in a string of commanding displays at the heart of the Mainz midfield last season.
Gbamin featured in 33 matches for the German outfit in the previous campaign, registering two goals while creating one assist across multiple competitions. On the defensive end, the 23-year-old made an average of 1.6 tackles, 1.0 interceptions and 0.9 clearances per game in the Bundesliga (stats via Whoscored).
The Mainz midfield ace represented France at various youth competitions but decided to play for Ivory Coast at the senior level. He has already earned five international caps for his nation thus far.
What Are The Ivory Coast International’s Strengths?
Gbamin has decent pace in his locker and can distribute the ball accurately from midfield. He is a powerful presence at the centre of the park and can provide some added protection to the backline. Furthermore, the Ivory Coast international can time his tackles to perfection and can make essential interceptions for his side, much like how Idrissa Gueye operates at Everton.
Gueye is reportedly close to joining Paris Saint-Germain with a medical set to take place in the French capital this week (via the Guardian). Thus, Gbamin could be an ideal replacement for the Senegalese midfielder as he is an exceptional talent who can operate in multiple positions across the pitch. He primarily plays as a defensive midfielder but is equally comfortable when asked to assume the duties of a centre-back.
Will Gbamin Be A Good Fit For The Merseyside Club?
The Ivorian’s versatility and athleticism make him an attractive signing for the Toffees as they look to push on and compete on all fronts next season. All in all, he will be an excellent fit for Marco Silva’s brand of football at Goodison Park.
