Everton are reportedly considering a move for 27-year-old Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder Leander Dendoncker this summer.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Everton are keen on further reinforcing their options in the middle of the park. They are actively looking for options in the market, with Leander Dendoncker emerging as one of the targets for Frank Lampard. The Belgian midfielder currently plies his trade with Premier League outfit Wolverhampton Wanderers, but his contract expires in 2023.
Although Wolves have the option to extend the deal by a year, Everton are set to explore the possibility of signing the 27-year-old midfielder in the coming weeks. They want to rope him in on a cut-price deal, knowing the player’s contract expires at the end of next season.
Everton’s interest in Leander Dendoncker stems from the potential mass exodus in midfield in the summer. The club have indeed had to deal with the exit of Fabian Delph, Donny van de Beek and Gylfi Sigurdsson at the end of last season, while Jean-Philippe Gbamin could be allowed to leave if the right offer comes through.
Meanwhile, Andre Gomes has struggled with injuries, thus accentuating the need for fresh blood in the middle of the park. The Toffees are ideally looking for a top-quality individual who can add more quality to the table and enhance the club’s approach play in the middle third of the pitch.
Everton have been closely linked with a move for Chelsea starlet Billy Gilmour, who is reportedly keen on reuniting with Frank Lampard at Goodison Park. However, in addition to Gilmour, Everton might need a more experienced option that can compete with the likes of Allan ahead of the new season.
That is where Leander Dendoncker comes into the fray. The Belgian international has established himself as a crucial member of the Wolves side in recent years, racking up over 150 competitive appearances for the Premier League club. The 27-year-old has built a firm reputation for his combative style of play, which is coupled with his defensive acumen.
Dendoncker’s presence in the Everton midfield could improve the club’s second line of press. It could ultimately bring stability in the middle third, especially if the Belgian is accompanied by someone like Abdoulaye Doucoure, who loves to make driving runs into the final third.
However, Everton might not find it easy to secure the services of Dendoncker this summer. Although the Belgian’s contract at Molineux expires soon, his parent club can trigger a contract extension clause, potentially forcing the Toffees to pay more than they initially intended.
