Midfielder rejected deadline day move to Saudi Arabia despite Everton wanting to sell him

Everton midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson rejected a move to Al Hilal on deadline day.

Everton had placed the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Theo Walcott, Alex Iwobi and others on the transfer list in a bid to reduce the squad size and trim the wage bill. The deadline day saw Walcott make an emotional return to Southampton and Sandro Ramirez terminated his contract to move to Huesca, Spain.

However, on deadline day, Everton had one more offer on their table. Gylfi Sigurdsson was wanted in the Middle East. Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal were keen to sign the Iceman on deadline day. The 31 year old rejected the offer and decided to stay and fight for his place, as per The Athletic.

https://twitter.com/ToffeeTargets/status/1315699446764707841

Looking at this season’s performances, Sigurdsson made the right choice to stay. Last season, his slump heavily affected the team’s on-field displays making him a subject of criticism. With James Rodriguez, Allan and Abdoulaye Doucoure arriving it was expected that Sigurdsson will not only lose his place in the team but also be sold.

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Earlier in the transfer window, MLS side DC United were interested in taking the 31 year old. The latest report linked him to Al Hilal. The Toffees wanted to sell him on deadline day but the Iceland international was adamant on staying at Goodison and prove that he still has plenty to offer.

This proves the kind of dedication Sigurdsson has towards Everton. The 31 year is still a pretty useful asset to the team. Carlo Ancelotti has changed Sigurdsson’s role and so far he is blossoming in the new role. Considering the injury woes that Andre Gomes may have, the former Swansea man is the perfect replacement in the heart of the midfield.

So, even if, Gylfi Sigurdsson is not a crucial member in the squad, he can do enough to leave his mark on games. In the recent performances, he hasn’t been spectacular but he has not made any major blunders too. Sigurdsson has ticked all the boxes, coming on as a substitute to add energy, taking control at times and sometimes just doing the minimum required.

Having Sigurdsson in decent nick would always be handy and it appears that he has left last season’s woes back and looks like a refurbished player.