Everton aren’t short of midfielders with Andre Gomes, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Fabian Delph, Morgan Schneiderlin, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Tom Davies at their disposal, but the Toffees have been linked with Geoffrey Kondogbia which suggests they may be replacing one or two existing players over the summer.
Kondogbia joined Valencia on a permanent deal after a successful loan spell from Inter Milan in 2018. The 27-year-old has made a total of 89 appearances in all competition for Los Che, scoring and creating 12 goals, and would provide a lot of energy to the engine room.
Would Geoffrey Kondogbia be a good signing for Everton?
Yes
No
As per WhoScored, Kondogbia has made 17 La Liga appearances this season, scoring one goal, creating three chances, completing 82.4% of his 700 passes, winning 31 aerial duels (47.7%), making 12 successful dribbles (66.6%), having 12 shots, blocking 20 shots/passes/crosses, making 22 clearances, giving away 24 fouls and averaging a tackle (40) or interception (37) every 16 minutes.
If Everton bring the Central African Republic midfielder to Goodison Park, Schneiderlin should be offloaded to make room. The French international turns 31 in November and has less than 18 months remaining on his contract. He’s featured in only 15 Premier League games this season and has struggled for consistency.
Schneiderlin nearly left Everton in January 2019 and admitted being open to a departure the following summer. Whether he lasts another transfer window remains to be seen, however, as the Toffees may want to cash in on any unwanted players. Kondogbia is a better ball-winner and adept at driving with the ball from deep, so he’d improve Everton’s squad.
The 27-year-old won’t break the bank with a £25.2m valuation, but it remains to be seen if they can beat Tottenham to his signature with Spurs also credited with an interest, let alone convince Valencia to sell.