OPINION
Everton manager Ronald Koeman must do everything in his power to sign Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph this summer.
The Daily Telegraph reported on Thursday that the 27-year-old central midfielder had been made available by his club for offers of around £12million and several Premier League clubs are interested in signing him.
Everton finished seventh in the Premier League last term, and it is clear they need some additions to their squad if they are to challenge higher up the table and in Europe next term, so here are three reasons why Koeman should sign him.
Bolster the midfield
Everton’s midfield looked all at sea at times last season as they were overrun, especially in games against the top-six clubs. There is no doubt Tom Davies is a fantastic talent, but he is young and inexperienced and struggles to link attack and defence at times. Meanwhile, Idrissa Gueye and Morgan Schneiderlin are both obviously decent players, but Koeman cannot play both of them at the same time as they do not offer enough going forward, unless he deploys a 4-2-3-1. Their other options are Gareth Barry, who is well past his best, and Mo Besic, who missed the majority of last campaign through injury – so it is clear they need a fresh face in the middle of the park.
Point to prove
Delph has endured a nightmare spell at City, but prior to making the move from Villa, he was regarded as one of the top midfielder’s in the country. At clubs like West Brom and Stoke he would undoubtedly start week in, week out, but he would not be playing for a top club, and he would not be challenged. At Everton he would have to fight for his place, forcing him to up his game, and he would have the chance to showcase his talents in Europe. A move to Merseyside could see him rekindle the form which saw him break into the England squad, and prove the Citizens they were wrong to let him go.
Replace Barkley
Ross Barkley looks to be on his way out of Goodison one way or another this summer as his contract dispute rolls on and on. Everton will need a big player to come in and fill his boots – Delph can be that signing. In his days at Villa Delph was known for his attacking flair and for providing plenty of assists, and after Barkley’s indifferent form last season, he could be an upgrade. The price is right if they are looking to replace Barkley too, as Delph will demand a fee of between £12million and £15million, whereas the Toffees will probably get in the region of £25million if they sell their the Scouse playmaker. Many had looked to Barkley to take Everton to the next level in the 2016/17 campaign and he failed to do so, perhaps Delph is the player who can bring them domestic, and maybe even European glory.