Everton News

Opinion: Everton should sell 30 y/o, clubs may have to pay £25.2m and £5.2m-a-year in wages

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Gylfi Sigurdsson could be on his way out at Everton this summer after the Toffees tried to offload him in January. Carlo Ancelotti reportedly told the 30-year-old that he was surplus to requirements but no suitor made an approach so he remained at Goodison Park.

Everton should try to move Sigurdsson on in the coming months, however, in order to sign a better replacement in the transfer market. If the Toffees want a top-four finish in the Premier League next season, they need a squad that can go toe-to-toe with the big-six.

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Unfortunately, Sigurdsson hasn’t been that player for Everton. The Icelandic international joined for a record-fee from Swansea City in 2017 and has gone on to make 103 appearances in all competitions, scoring and creating 36 goals. He’s contributed only four goals in 29 games this season, however, and has been frequently criticised by supporters for below-par showings.

Sigurdsson has two-and-a-half-years remaining on his £5.2m-a-year/£100k-per-week contract and has a market value of £25.2m. Everton will take a considerable hit on the £45m paid three years ago, but his advancing age and poor output has contributed to the lowly valuation.

Whether suitors are willing to meet that figure remains to be seen, however, as Sigurdsson’s next month could be his last. As per WhoScored, the midfielder has created 46 chances, completed 81.7% of his 744 passes, won 12 aerial duels (39%), had 14 successful dribbles (52%), blocked 21 shots/passes/crosses, made 12 clearances and averaged a tackle (40) or interception (24) every 31 minutes.

Sigurdsson hasn’t been at his best for Everton this season, but he should still have enquirers come the summer. Selling him and bringing in an upgrade is the right move.

Read Crippy Cooke’s previous article

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.