Everton have been linked with a move for Boubakary Soumaré this season, and it appears the Toffees have a chance to bring him to Goodison Park on a free transfer. Julien Laurens of ESPN says LOSC Lille’s £35m-rated midfielder could agree a Bosman deal in January if his contract isn’t extended.
Manchester United have recently entered the race for his signature which will be a blow to Everton, but Soumare may feel he has a better chance of regular first-team football at Goodison Park than Old Trafford. Time will tell if any offers are put to him in the New Year.
United want him as a long-term replacement for Paul Pogba while Everton could view him as a replacement for Morgan Schneiderlin. Soumare is a defensive-midfielder who seldom relinquishes possession and can drive with the ball from deep.
As per WhoScored, the 20-year-old has made 10 Ligue 1 appearances for Lille this season, creating five chances, completing 88.9% of his 33 passes-per-game, winning 55% of his aerial duels, boasting a 100% dribbles success rate (14/14) and averaging a tackle (11) or interception (8) every 30 minutes.
It’s easy to see why United and Everton are keen. They’ll be hoping Soumare doesn’t sign a new deal before they can offer a pre-contract in January with a view to him moving in July.