Talks between Fulham and Everton for Abdoulaye Doucoure reach an impasse
According to 90min, Fulham are struggling to land Everton midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure in the ongoing January transfer window.
The Cottagers have done well in the current campaign and look set to secure their top-flight status for at least one more season. Bringing in the right reinforcements in January will make that task easier.
The midfield was one area that was being looked at, and there was hope that Doucoure’s arrival would reinforce the roster. As things stand, the 30-year-old earns over £100,000 per week at Goodison Park, a handsome amount given Fulham’s wage bill.
A loan deal for the player is currently in the doldrums given that Fulham are unwilling to offer more than around half his current wages. Unless Everton picks up the tab and offers to pay the remaining amount, it is safe to say that the deal is as good as dead.
It is further complicated by Doucoure’s former club Watford also expressing interest in loaning him. The Hornets are also keen to add a clause that can make the deal permanent should they achieve promotion back to the top flight at the end of the season. They are currently in the fourth spot in the Championship, and there is a real chance that they could make the playoffs.
A physically dominant player, Doucoure will add some real steel to Fulham’s midfield. Marco Silva’s side have the right mix of physicality and technical prowess in their gameplay. Adding the Everton man to the roster will certainly help solidify matters.
A move away from Goodison Park could also aid the 30-year-old. Although he has played 11 games for Everton this season, it only amounts to a mere 304 minutes of action. He can garner more game time at Craven Cottage and perhaps audition for a summer transfer away from Merseyside.
Frank Lampard’s side are embroiled in yet another relegation battle and might struggle to extricate themselves from it this time around. With fans turning on them, Everton is not a happy club to play for at this moment in time. A fresh start at Fulham is certainly a much better alternative at this point.
