Despite already signing Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph amid uncertainty over Idrissa Gueye’s future, the midfielder’s impending departure is leading to the media linking Everton to some unusual targets. Marco Silva has already offset the loss of Gueye with Delph, but Liverpool Echo say Blaise Matuidi may be on the Toffees’ radar too.
It’s hard to see the 32-year-old making the switch, however, as he remains a regular in midfield for Juventus and may not leave for a club that finished outside of the Premier League’s top-six last season. And despite Matuidi having just one year remaining on his deal in Turin, he’s spoken out about his happiness at Juve and desire to extend his contract.
The French international picks up silverware every season and plays in the Champions League, so why would he want to leave the Old Lady? Also, why would Everton target a player in the eve of their career? Matuidi’s next contract is likely to be his last, so Marco Silva & Marcel Brands would be better off signing a younger replacement for Gueye that could have a long-term future at Goodison.
It’s unlikely Everton will make a genuine approach for the £69k-per-week midfielder to replace the 29-year-old.