Everton: How much do they really need Dennis Praet?

Everton are reportedly interested in signing Dennis Praet, but is the Sampdoria midfielder really worth pursuing?

This time next week, the madness of the summer transfer window will finally be over. However, this still leaves us with another six days to wonder if Everton will bring any more players in.

One player we can specifically wonder about, is Dennis Praet. At least that’s apparently the case, according to Paul Hirst of The Times.

Hirst reports that the Blues are ready to rival Newcastle United, who are attempting to sign Praet. He is apparently valued at around £18.5 million, which is certainly a fee Everton can afford to pay.

The question is, should the Toffees make a concerted effort to sign the midfielder? While you can theoretically never have too much of a good thing, they are already well-stocked at the position.

Praet started to really make Europe’s top clubs take notice a few seasons ago, while he was still with Anderlecht. Teams were particularly enamoured with his vision and technique.

Interestingly, Everton were among the clubs linked with the 23-year-old a couple of summers ago, along with the likes of Arsenal and Real Sociedad. Eventually, he signed with Sampdoria last August, for around £9 million.

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So, what gives, when you consider Praet is only one season into a five-year contract? Pure and simple, he didn’t live up to expectations during the 2016/17 campaign, which included scoring just once and adding only one assist in 34 games.

Despite being an attacking midfielder, the Belgium international has actually been criticised for being too conservative at times. In addition, there are concerns he is still not physical enough to be a consistent threat at the top level.

From Praet’s point of view, if he were to move on, he would face a genuine dilemma. If he were to pick Newcastle over Everton, he’d be guaranteed more first team football, but would also be playing for a poorer team.

Overall, we can certainly understand the Blues’ apparent interest in Praet. However, if they were to miss out on signing him, we don’t believe it would be much of a loss.

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What do you make of the Blues’ apparent interest in Praet? How keen are you for them to pursue the attacking midfielder? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.