Everton could use the January transfer window as a golden opportunity to strengthen their struggling squad over the second half of the season, with a new potential transfer target emerging.
What’s the latest?
According to Italian news outlet Gazzetta, Everton are interested in signing Lecce midfielder Joan Gonzalez.
As per the report, West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus and Borussia Dortmund are also interested in the young player who could be available to sign in the winter transfer window when it re-opens next month.
Lampard can land his next Doucoure
The Toffees are yet again struggling in the Premier League after a run of poor performances has put them just one point clear of the relegation zone in the league table, as it stands.
Frank Lampard will be desperately searching for solutions and options he can take advantage of in the January transfer window that could help him bolster his squad not only over the remainder of the season but for the future at Goodison Park.
Abdoulaye Doucoure is set to be out of contract at the end of the season and Everton do have the option to extend his stay on Merseyside for another year, however, if they can secure the signing of Gonzalez it could be an opportunity to move on and replace the Toffees midfielder with a like for like player who is much younger.
The 20-year-old former Barcelona wonderkid has Doucoure listed as his fourth most comparable positional peer over the last 12 months, according to FBref, with the pair sharing many similarities in their strengths.
The midfield duo come close in a number of attributes this season including pass completion rate (75.6% v 76.6%), shot-creating actions per 90 minutes (1.62 v 1.96) and percentage of dribblers tacked (36% v 33.3%).
Gonzalez has even outperformed Doucoure too with more goal contributions (3 v 0), shot-creating actions in total (20 v 4), tackles and interceptions (32 v 6) and aerial duels won (20 v 4), proving that he could potentially even be an upgrade on the Everton midfielder, especially in terms of defensive actions.
The rising star – who was dubbed “amazing” by Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani – could add some quality depth for Everton in the centre of the pitch next month as James Garner is sidelined with an injury.
With that being said, the signing of Gonzalez could be a great piece of business for Everton if they do decide to part ways with Doucoure either in January or at the end of the season and potentially he could even improve the midfield performances over the rest of the season and beyond.
