Marco Silva has let it be known on several occasions that he is keen to keep Andre Gomes at the club beyond his loan from Barcelona, and now a report by Don Balon has claimed the boss is not alone.
The Spanish publication reported on Friday that several key first-team players, including Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez, Gerard Pique, and Sergio Busquets, are keen that the former Valencia midfielder does not return to the Camp Nou in the summer, and that Everton – or indeed whoever offers Barcelona the most appealing offer – take him, as he is seen as one of the worst signings in the club’s history.
Don Balon even note that there has been an order, seemingly from the leading players at the La Liga heavyweights, that Gomes is sold as soon as possible and for whatever price. Manager Ernesto Valverde gets a mention, too, when they claim that figures in Catalunya “tremble when thinking about the possibility of Gomes returning”.
Gomes was certainly disappointing when he arrived at the Camp Nou, and failed to flatter during his two seasons there before we took him on loan, but the 25-year-old has been key at Goodison Park, either side of his mid-season dip in form.
That dip in form is said to have postponed Marcel Brands eagerness to complete a permanent deal, and our Director of Football will now take until the summer before he reaches a final decision.
What could play on his mind between now and then is the fee Marca quoted in February, when the outlet suggested Barcelona would be holding out for €40million (£34.5m), which would have seemed an awful lot given he has had little impact in front of goal.
Thankfully, amid Don Balon’s claims that the players are eager not to see Gomes return, they add that Barcelona will be satisfied with receiving a bargain €15million (£12.95m), so long as it guarantees he does not return for next season.