Why now is the right time for Everton to pursue two-time African Footballer of the Year

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Everton missed out on one of Africa’s greatest players in the summer but could reignite a deal in January.

Despite their newly-moneyed status following the takeover of billionaire magnate Farhad Moshiri, Everton still found themselves plucking low-hanging fruit in the transfer market.

Yannick Bolasie, Ashley Williams and Idrissa Gana Gueye arrived from Premier League strugglers Crystal Palace, Swansea City and Aston Villa; three respectable, intelligent signings, but hardly the exotic tastes their new majority shareholder, or ambitious manager Ronald Koeman, were craving.

Furthermore, more than a few star names were linked to a summer switch to Goodison Park but The Toffees’ lack of European football proved a crucial sticking point, leaving fans wondering how they were ever going to make progress in the market.

Everton are in need of a statement signing; a player whose simple presence and star quality would convince other prospective targets that Goodison Park is not merely a stepping stone. Step forward, Yacine Brahimi.

The first player to retain the BBC African Footballer of the Year award since a certain Jay-Jay Okocha, the Algerian international was one of the stars of last season’s Champions League, destroying Chelsea in the group stage and inspiring FC Porto to the quarter-finals, all the while managing more successful dribbles than anyone bar Lionel Messi and Eden Hazard.

Just a few short months ago, The Mirror reported that Everton had a club-record bid of £36 million knocked back on deadline day, the 26-year-old instead hoping for Merseyside neighbours Liverpool to make their move.

Ardent Everton supporters may find it difficult to overlook such an attitude towards their proud, traditional club but the fact is, Brahimi will now be a lot easier to snare.

His hardly-subtle desire to leave left a rather sour taste in the mouth of his current employers, with Brahimi restricted to just 121 minutes of action in the Portuguese top flight this season. On this occasion, an exit would suit all parties – possibly at a reduced fee.

And the former Granada attacker could be everything Koeman is looking for – quick, agile, aggressive, the perfect fit for the number 10 role in his 4-2-3-1.

Furthermore, with former suitors Liverpool and Arsenal well-stocked in attacking positions, Everton may find a potential deal is a lot easier to pursue – if only through necessity.