Everton have by far been the busiest club this summer transfer window as they have now added seven players to their squad and have allowed four players to leave the club already. But manager Ronald Koeman is still not happy with the squad at his disposal and having lost his top goal scorer Romelu Lukaku to Manchester United, wants to make sure that his creativity and goals are replaced adequately for the next season.
The likes of Sandro Ramirez, Davy Klaassen and Wayne Rooney will have huge roles to play next season but Koeman is now ready to make yet another stellar signing in Gylfi Sigurdsson from Swansea City.
Sigurdsson to be announced in days
The Toffees have been monitoring the situation of the Icelandic international, who was in impeccable form last season for the Swans, picking up nine goals and 13 assists, cementing his place in the first team, in what was his third season at the club.
However, his stellar show saw him linked with a move back to Tottenham Hotspur while Everton have constantly kept a tab on him. And reports from the Guardian now claim that Everton are just days away from completing his signature on a deal that could be worth £50m this summer. So can Everton actually challenge for a place in the Champions League if they can add this 27-year old to their lineup?
Sigurdsson, his experience and expertise
A versatile player who can play in most positions in the attacking third, Sigurdsson played on the left wing and as a central, offensive midfielder, in equal proportions, showing equal productivity in both positions. Known for his shooting and finishing abilities along with his vision and passing technique, Sigurdsson is a set-piece specialist, which is stressed by the fact that just five of his 13 assists last season in the league have come from open play.
Sigurdsson is built for the English game and his ability to hold on to the ball in the final third is dangerous for his opponents. He is a decent dribbler with exceptional ball control and is a playmaker who can shoulder the first team responsibilities for Everton.
Does he make them a CL outfit?
However, it is not too easy for the 27-year old to turn the squad at the Goodison into a top-4 one in just a season. The Toffees have lost their top goal scorer from the previous season and it will be a huge blow for them.
They did make some exciting signings and if they can add Sigurdsson to their attack, they can field a front four of Sandro Ramirez, Gylifi Sigurdsson, Davy Klaassen and Kevin Mirallas, which will make them one of the strongest attacks in the league. However, clubs around them have spent insane amounts on top transfer targets and Everton need a more established and world class star if they are to beat any of the top-6 sides to a place in Europe.
As many star recruits as Koeman makes, Everton need a lot more additions to take the next step and move into the top-4 in the points table.
