Everton are reportedly pushing to land Ajax star Davy Klaassen.
Ajax’s Davy Klaassen looks dejected
Everton have yet to dip into the transfer market this summer, but they could be edging towards their first addition since the end of the Premier League season.
The Toffees have splashed the cash over the last year thanks to Farhad Moshiri’s investment, landing the likes of Ashley Williams, Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin.
That is expected to continue this summer, with manager Ronald Koeman seemingly zeroing in on his top target of the summer – Ajax midfielder Davy Klaassen.
Schalke’s Daniel Caligiuri in action with Ajax’s Davy Klaassen
Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf report that talks between Everton and Ajax have opened, with the Toffees told to pay £26million in order to land the Dutch international midfielder.
Klaassen, 24, has come up through the ranks with Ajax, and has served as their club captain since 2015, serving as the heartbeat of their midfielder under both Frank de Boer and Peter Bosz.
Ajax’s Davy Klaassen
From Everton’s perspective, Klaassen looks to be the ideal complement to Everton’s existing midfield options. Idrissa Gueye is a relentless interception and tackle machine, whilst Morgan Schneiderlin can sit and break up play whilst also possessing an impressive passing range.
Neither player is particular forward-thinking though, and that’s where Klaassen could come in, especially if he takes Ross Barkley’s role in the Everton side, given that the England international is expected to leave this summer.
Koeman was often left frustrated by Barkley’s inconsistent productivity, as he hit five goals and eight assists, whilst it was sometimes difficult to shoehorn him into Koeman’s 4-3-3 system given that he is best as a No. 10.
Everton’s Ross Barkley celebrates scoring
Klaassen, however, has been a model of consistency at Ajax, contributing a superb 20 goals and ten assists this past season, whilst he hit 32 goals and 22 assists in his previous three seasons too.
Add in that he can play in a natural central midfield role with a license to get forward, and that he possesses leadership and tenacity as Ajax’s captain, and it’s no great shock that Koeman is prioritising his signature – and he could be the ideal signing if Everton want a Barkley replacement.
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