Everton reportedly want to add AC Milan’s Serie A star Franck Kessie to new £22m signing Andre Gomes.
It is funny what life under a spotlight can do to a footballer.
Andre Gomes was one of Europe’s best young midfielders when he made that ill-fated move to Barcelona in 2016.
But two years later, the Portugal international was on his way to Everton, his confidence destroyed and his reputation in tatters. Gomes simply couldn’t deal with life in the Catalonian goldfish bowl – and he is not the first either.
Thank god, then, for the Toffees. Gomes has clearly relished a fresh start at Goodison Park, finding his form in style with a series of masterful performances which reminded everyone why Barca paid so much for him just three years ago.
Gomes should now go strength to strength with Everton signing him permanently for a bargain £22 million (BBC). And if you think he’s good now, imagine how effective Gomes would be with Franck Kessie alongside him, forming a partnership chock-full of precision, technique and athleticism.
According to Calciomercato, Everton are interested in the Ivory Coast powerhouse, a player who has been compared to a young Yaya Toure, with Milan expected to sell for £30 million. The Rossoneri need to raise funds to avoid Financial Fair Play sanctions and new manager Marco Giampaolo appears ready to sacrifice the former Atalanta wonder-kid.
If Everton get a deal done, they would have a brilliant and tireless young talent who’s combative, hard-running style would provide the perfect foil for the more cerebral Gomes.
And at 22 and 25 respectively, Kessie and Gomes will only get better in the years to come. They could provide the platform for an exciting new Everton team with a real desire to force their way into Europe’s elite.
A place where Gomes belongs.
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