Everton have been handed a major boost in their pursuit of 32-year-old PSG enforcer Idrissa Gueye, who is keen on returning to Goodison Park.
According to 90 min, Idrissa Gueye appears to be inching closer to ending his three-year stint with Paris Saint-Germain. And the Senegalese midfield enforcer is keen on sealing a return to Everton in the ongoing transfer window over any other suitor. The Toffees are in advanced negotiations with PSG over re-signing their former star, with Frank Lampard eager to complete their fourth summer signing.
Signed from Aston Villa for around £7.5 million, the Senegalese international enjoyed a fine three-year spell at Everton between 2016 and 2019. Gueye was a huge fan favourite, making over 100 competitive appearances for Everton before being sold to PSG for a fee in the region of £30 million in 2019.
The 32-year-old realised his ambition of playing in the UEFA Champions League and has been a staple in PSG’s lineup throughout his time in the French capital. Now, after winning two Ligue 1 titles and reaching the 2020 Champions League final, it is perhaps the right time to part ways for all parties concerned following a string of below-par performances last term.
Gueye was left out of Les Parisiens’ pre-season tour to Japan after the Ligue 1 giants urged him to find a new club. PSG want to reduce their wage bill by cashing in on their superstars, including the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations winner, who has just one year left on his deal. And a return to Everton is very much on the cards for the 32-year-old, who has turned down an approach from Galatasaray in favour of a return to Goodison Park, as per L’Equipe.
After losing Richarlison to Tottenham Hotspur in a £60 million deal, and with free-agent James Tarkowski as their sole signing in the early stages of the window, it appeared that Everton were asking for relegation trouble next season. But in the last few days, they have sprung into action in the transfer market.
The Toffees have snapped up Ruben Vinagre (on loan) from Sporting CP and Dwight McNeil from Burnley in a £20 million deal. Lampard’s next priority is to bolster the midfield ranks, and Everton have been offered the chance to re-sign Gueye in recent days.
Donny van de Beek has returned to Manchester United following a disappointing loan stint in the second half of the 2021/22 season. Meanwhile, Fabian Delph’s contract has expired, and there are doubts over the futures of other midfielders on Everton’s roster. The Toffees desperately need more protection in front of their backline, and Gueye would be a welcome addition.
At 32, Gueye still has a few years of top-level football remaining in his locker, and the Senegalese international is a reliable operator. That said, Everton should be mindful of repeating their previous mistakes of handing veterans massive contracts on hefty wages, and should only re-sign the PSG midfield enforcer on a short-term contract.