Paris Saint-Germain’s Idrissa Gueye has arrived on Merseyside and his announcement as an Everton player is imminent. As per reports, he has his medical and sign his papers today.
Idrissa Gueye will make a return to Finch Farm following his departure three years ago. The player will rejoin them for a low fee of £8m (€10m), a cut price for the 32-year-old as the Toffees sold him in July 2019 for a fee of £29m to Paris Saint-Germain.
"The protracted return of midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye to Goodison Park could be completed today.The Senegalese international has already agreed terms with Everton but hit a stumbling block when current club Paris Saint Germain refused to allow him to terminate his contract, however it looks like a breakthrough has been made.On Tuesday evening, journalist Alan Myers Tweeted: “I’m told Gana Gueye will cost Everton around €10M (£8M) expected to have medical tomorrow.”(via: liverpoolecho.co.uk)"
A reason why this is some great business shown by the Merseyside club is because, when they signed him from Aston Villa in 2016, they only paid £7.1m. They were still under the stewardship of Ronald Koeman and he was the Dutchman’s second signing of the summer.
Include this total with the £8m spent for him this window, he still cost £13,9 million less than what they charged the French side.
It Took Everton a While to Complete the Signing
The initial reports of Everton’s interest and intent to re-sign Gueye were documented a month back and it appeared back then that the move would progress quickly. However, it took them some time to meet PSG on a fee, unfold other issues, and fend off other interests for a player, who let’s face it, no longer had a future in Paris.
During their difficult start to their Premier League run, in Lampard’s first full season in charge, they could have used a player with his qualities. In their previous two outings against Brentford and Leeds United, Everton took the lead in both games.
All that was required was for them to see both leads out and try to win each game 1-0. Against Leeds on Tuesday night, they only managed to hang onto a one-goal advantage for 44 minutes. Against the Beers a bit longer, 60 minutes but lost two points in the 84th minute of the game when they conceded so late on in the clash.
Idrissa Gueye would have been ideal in these respective situations and Lampard could have had six points collected, rather than only 2. Although, with all this being said, returning for the Merseyside Derby could be even better timing for the club, as they still look for their first win of the season.
Idrissa Gueye, on Merseyside today in order to undergo medical tests as new Everton player joining from PSG. Final steps needed before deal done. 🚨🔵 #EFC
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 31, 2022
Everton also close to agreement with Man Utd for James Garner — then it’s up to the player. pic.twitter.com/I5ByWzjvxI
Idrissa Gueye Returns With a Wealth of Experience to Everton
Even though Gueye took a short three-year sabbatical from Goodison Park, they welcome back a veteran in the game with a wealth of experience. While playing for PSG, the midfielder played at the highest level.
He made 111 appearances for them, starting 85 games, scoring seven times, and assisting a further six. With this, he has won Ligue 1 twice, the African Cup of Nations in 2021 with Senegal, the Coupe de France twice as well, and the French League Cup once.
Include his league title and cup trophy with Lille and you got an experienced player coming in at the right time. Sitting 15th and surviving a relegation battle last season is not where the club wants to be post-David Moyes; It’s been nine since the Scotsman left Goodison.
He will hopefully bring the stability needed in the middle of the park, the protection in front of the defence, and reinstall his status as a cult hero at Goodison Park.