Graeme Souness has urged Everton to sign Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes on a permanent deal – before another Premier League club does.
The high-profile pundit and legend of the game has been blown away by the 25-year-old since he moved to Goodison Park on loan from the Spanish champions over the summer.
Souness is convinced the Portugal international brings a new dimension to the Everton midfield and has developed a burgeoning partnership with Idrissa Gueye.
“Gomes, who is on loan at Goodison Park from Barcelona, is a class act,” Souness told the Sunday Times. “If he continues his form, Everton will face some serious competition to sign him from other Premier League teams.
“They should do a permanent deal sooner rather than later, if they can. Gomes has creativity, can drop a shoulder and take people on, moves the ball quickly at the right time and doesn’t get caught out by the intensity of the game here.”
OPINION
Everton thought they had got someone special when they took advantage of Gomes’ fringe status at Barca over the summer and gave him his first taste of Premier League football. Now, they know they have. The 25-year-old is a top-quality performer who has the touch of class that elevates him into a top bracket of central midfielders. Technically gifted and blessed with vision, a wide passing range, and the energy and willingness to do the dirty work, he looks made for a big Premier League club. If Everton regard themselves as that, and there’s no reason why they shouldn’t, this is a deal that should be an A1 priority. The more Gomes plays and delivers the good, the more he will get the attention of other major clubs. Everton are in pole position to get a deal done, and should get talking with Barcelona and find out what is required to push it over the finish line sooner rather than later.