Everton have told Jean-Philippe Gbamin that he is free to leave Goodison Park in January, while Rafa Benitez will not oppose a permanent transfer, according to the Liverpool Echo.
Gbamin has endured a nightmare two-and-a-half-years on Merseyside since Marco Silva paid Mainz £25m for his capture. The Ivorian penned a five-year contract with the Blues with the aim of replacing Idrissa Gueye, but he has suffered an endless stream of injuries.
The 26-year-old has only managed a mere seven appearances in royal blue since joining the club. His four games in all competitions so far this term are also his most in a single season.
Everton are now considering Gbamin’s future at Goodison as Benitez strives to improve his transfer budget. The Toffees are keen to add further signings following deals for defenders Vitaly Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson, with a midfielder and winger on the shopping list.
Gbamin is likely to target a loan move for the rest of the season during the winter market. But Everton are open to permanent offers, with Benitez ready to cash in for his own deals.
Clubs in Germany and Italy have also begun to show an interest in the midfielder’s possible availability. Yet no move is currently close to completion for the £65k-a-week anchor.
Benitez does not echo Ancelotti opinion as Everton eye Gbamin transfer exit
Gbamin spent three-years in Germany at Mainz before the 12-cap international’s transfer to Everton in 2019. He featured 95 times for Die Nullfunfer over that time and established a reputation as a defensive or midfield enforcer with a stellar eye for a pass.
He also had an athletic power that convinced Silva and former Director of Football Marcel Brands he could replace Gueye. But injuries have tormented his time on Merseyside so far.
Former Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti could still see the talent Gbamin possessed during his time on Merseyside. The Italian told EvertonTV upon Gbamin’s injury return in April, 2021:
“He is calm and focused; he has all the qualities – technically and physically – of a top midfielder. This season we have to be patient with him.
“He was out for a long time. But he is here, and he is working well. He will be important for us. With a strong character, he can be a top midfielder in the future.”
Benitez does not echo Ancelotti’s opinion, it seems, especially after Gbamin’s disappointing display against Wolves in November. After coming off at half-time, he has only featured for 20-minutes over eight possible games since and can now seal a loan or permanent transfer.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
