Fabian Delph has struggled at Manchester City over the past two seasons so would a move to Everton work for everyone?
Manchester City’s Fabian Delph shoots wide
It is two years since Fabian Delph joined Manchester City from Aston Villa in an £8m deal, one which caused controversy at Villa Park as it come just days after the midfielder pledged his loyalty to the Birmingham club.
However, in that time Delph has made just 40 appearances for the Citizens, 24 of which have come in the Premier League and the majority of which have been as a substitute.
Manchester City’s Fabian Delph looks dejected after a missed chance
Once considered one of the brightest talents in English football, the former Villa captain is now 27-years-old and is in risk of wasting his best years watching from the bench.
Perhaps not good enough to be a regular starter at mega-rich City, Delph is far from a poor player and could still potentially be a top ten midfielder.
So should Everton be thinking about a move for the England international? Idrissa Gueye – a former Villa man himself – was one of the standout stars for the Toffees in 2016/17, while Morgan Schneiderlin has fitted in well since a January switch from Manchester United.
Liverpool’s Sadio Mane in action with Everton’s Idrissa Gueye
Yet in a 4-3-3 formation often utilised by manager Ronald Koeman there is still one more place that needs to be addressed. Gareth Barry is now 36-years-old and coming towards the end of his career, while the Daily Express are one of many publications linking James McCarthy with a move to Newcastle United.
Teenager Tom Davies has progressed brilliantly over the past 12 months, but Koeman will not want to put unnecessary pressure on the 18-year-old by playing him constantly, while the future of Ross Barkley is also up in the air.
Delph, who hasn’t been linked with an exit from the Etihad Stadium for some time and whose reputation is quietly waning, could possibly be the ideal fit for the Merseyside club.
Manchester City’s Fabian Delph scores their first goal
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