Everton have signed (h/t Transfermarkt) three midfielders ahead of the season – André Gomes, Fabian Delph, and Jean-Philippe Gbamin, but it seems that manager Marco Silva wants another midfielder to fill the huge hole left by the departure of defensive midfielder Idrissa Gueye, who left Everton for Paris Saint-Germain. Now, reports are indicating that the Toffees are keen on adding another midfielder, Watford’s Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Sky Sports have reported that the Toffees have made a bid of £36.7 million for the 26-year-old midfielder, but Watford have rejected that offer. This is the second bid that Everton have made for the French midfielder. Doucoure has been previously managed by Everton manager Marco Silva when the Portuguese manager was in charge at Watford.
The 26-year-old midfielder joined the Vicarage Road outfit in 2016 from French club Rennes and has made over 100 appearances for the club, scoring 13 goals and providing 10 assists. Last season, Doucoure made 40 appearances in all competitions for the Hornets, ending the season with 5 goals and 6 assists.
Should Everton increase their offer for Abdoulaye Doucoure?
Everton manager Marco Silva has several midfielders at his disposal and his interest in signing another one – Doucoure – is surprising, to say the least. The Toffees have splashed the cash this transfer window, spending almost €90 million, and are reportedly willing to spend more.
Doucoure is a good player who can play as a defensive midfielder, central midfielder or an attacking midfielder, and is an all-action operator with phenomenal work-rate. The Frenchman has the energy, pace, and stamina to move from one box to the other in quick time, while he is also a player who can contribute defensively, closing down opposition midfielders while also trying to dispossess them.
A powerful presence in midfield, Doucoure could be a player who can replace Gueye, although it is baffling why Everton signed Gbamin as well, who can play a similar role. The Toffees should not pay more than £40 million for the midfielder and even £36.7 million seems to be over the odds. But with the Frenchman signing (h/t BBC) a new contract with Watford just last year, which expires in 2023, Everton might have to pay a huge fee to sign the Frenchman.
But with just a day remaining, Everton should focus on signing a centre-back as they are currently weak in that area rather than yet another midfielder.