Everton will have the option to sign Marseille midfielder Kevin Strootman on loan this summer; it has been claimed.
According to Sky Sports, Marseille midfielder Kevin Strootman has been made available on loan by the club. As a result, three Premier League clubs including Everton will have the chance to secure the services of the Dutch international on a temporary contract this summer.
Kevin Strootman: Should Silva make a move?
The addition of Strootman would be a masterstroke by Marco Silva given the problems in midfield which might arise in the near future. Everton’s midfield lynchpin Idrissa Gueye faces an uncertain future at the club amid reports linking him to a move to Manchester United.
As for Andre Gomes, who impressed in the Premier League after joining on loan from Barcelona, it is unclear whether he will return to the club next season. Tottenham Hotspur, in particular, are one of many clubs courting the Portuguese midfielder this summer.
As a result, Everton are left with Morgan Schneiderlin as their only reliable option in central midfield while entrusting Tom Davies with a regular role from the start of the season might not be the best choice. Silva will want to gradually get him to start games and even though we are likely to see an increase in the number of minutes Davies gets, a regular starting role from the get-go does not seem likely.
All this accentuates the need for a new midfielder and Strootman, in that regard, would be an exciting option for the Toffees.
The Marseille star is a midfield enforcer, who likes to win back possession in the middle of the pitch. Much like Javi Martinez, the Dutchman boasts a strong figure, which often becomes quite intimidating for the opposition. And this plays a key role in his dominion in midfield.
The fact that he has both physical and aerial prowess has made him a strong asset for Marseille this season. He is also looking much more fit, having overcome his injury troubles that marred his career especially post the 2014-15 season.
From a tactical perspective, Strootman can be deployed alongside Gueye in the double-pivot should Everton miss out on Gomes. His robust style of play is tailor-made for the physical nature of the Premier League. Hence, he is almost guaranteed to thrive under the tutelage of Silva, who will certainly admire his ability to add more vigilance in midfield.
However, it will be important for Everton to have the option, which will enable them to tie Strootman to a permanent contract should the loan deal work out. If not, it would perhaps be wiser for the Toffees to shift their attention to other options in the market.
