OPINION
Everton have surely been dealt a blow in their pursuit of re-signing Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes on a permanent deal this summer.
Gomes spent the season on loan at Goodison Park, making 24 appearances for Marco Silva’s side in the Premier League, as the Toffees secured an eighth place finish in the Portuguese manager’s first year in charge.
Everton are believed to be interested in re-signing the midfielder from Barcelona on a permanent transfer this summer, after he impressed at Goodison Park this term, according to the Liverpool Echo.
However, it has now emerged that fellow Premier League side West Ham are thought to have made a move to sign Gomes and have offered around £18million to Barcelona for the midfielder, according to The Times.
That will be a blow for Everton, who will be wanting to re-sign Gomes and might now need to act swiftly to ensure that West Ham do not beat them to his signature this summer.
The Portugal international would be a real lose to Silva’s side next season if he was to join another club on a permanent deal ahead of Silva’s side during the summer transfer window.
Gomes’ calmness and quality in possession has allowed Everton to retain possession and build attacks this season, with the midfielder averaging an 84.8% passing accuracy per match [whoscored.com] in the Premier League this term.
The 25-year-old has also been useful in helping to break up opposition attacks, despite his strengths being more in possession, making 0.7 interceptions and 1.4 tackles per 90 minutes [whoscored.com] in the Premier League this season.
That would mean he would be a big loss to Silva’s midfield next season, which would be made worse by him joining a Premier League rival, and Everton would have to search the transfer market for a player who could offer similar qualities to Gomes.
However, having already spent the season at Goodison Park Gomes will already be familiar with Silva’s methods, so it would make more sense for Everton to go out and ensure they retain his services for next season, rather than having to sign an alternative.
Silva will be hopeful that he is able to re-sign Gomes during the summer transfer window, and will now need to move quickly of the Toffees are going to be able to sign the midfielder on a permanent deal from Barcelona.