Transfer story
Everton have been the busiest side in the Premier League this summer and with the sale of Romelu Lukaku for £75 million to Manchester United being confirmed, more signings are expected to be incoming at Goodison Park. The strongest rumours that have surfaced regarding the Toffees’ next signing is Swansea City’s Gylfi Sigurdsson. Ronald Koeman is said to be a big fan of the Icelander with Everton tracking him since the last month.
It is now being reported that despite Swansea’s will of keeping Sigurdsson in their ranks, Everton’s latest bid of £32 million might be too good for them to reject. Sigurdsson is rumoured to be longing for a new challenge after spending three years in the Liberty Stadium. This deal is expected to go through soon and with him, Everton’s summer spending will touch the £100 million mark.
Player stats
Sigurdsson came to England when he joined Reading but first tasted success during his spell with Hoffenheim. He then joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2012 and in 2014, he arrived at the Liberty Stadium.
He played a huge role in Swansea’s relegation battle last season and was inarguably their best player. The 27-year old had a brilliant 2016/17 season in which he scored 11 goals in all competitions and also assisted 14 times.
He also averaged 2.1 key passes every game, which is pretty impressive and could help new signing Wayne Rooney when the prodigal son leads the line next season. (Stats via Whoscored)
What’ll Sigurdsson offer the club?
Gylfi Sigurdsson has gone on to become synonymous with being one of the best set piece takers in England. Everton have fallen short in that aspect in Leighton Baines’ absence but with Sigurdsson in the ranks, the Toffees will have an ever present threat at set pieces.
He is also a versatile player and can play anywhere in midfield and also as a number 9. This will be beneficial for Everton in the coming season with Ronald Koeman having a liking for utility players.
Worth the money?
At the age of 27, Sigurdsson is in his prime years as a player and has years of experience playing in the league. Everton are going to sign the Icelander at the best possible time with Sigurdsson currently enjoying his best spell in the Premiership.
£32 million is a brilliant investment on a player who guarantees goals and also a player who creates clusters of chances each game. But this leaves the future of Ross Barkley in the dark with Gylfi Sigurdsson playing in his position which can be said as the only downside to this exciting transfer for the Toffees.
