A few days ago, RC Lens midfielder Cheick Doucoure was linked with a Premier League move with the likes of Everton, Arsenal and Crystal Palace interested in the Mali international. The Toffees are in the market for a midfielder and Doucoure seems to fit the bill.
For long, Everton’s shortcomings in the midfield have been exposed due to the unavailability of a pure holding midfielder. Everton have not been able to replace Idrissa Gueye since he left in 2019. Jean-Philippe Gbamin was brought in but his terrible injury record meant that Everton never saw him fulfilling his potential.
Fabian Delph increasingly looks to depart the club as his deal runs out, so the Toffees need a modern day holding midfielder to break the opposition play and guard the backline. He should also have sound passing abilities and move the ball around.
Doucoure is a player that ticks all the above boxes. Additionally, he’s neither too old so will have a decent resale value in the future. He’s the kind of player Everton should be chasing with all their might.
Everton learn Cheick Doucoure price
The 22 year old is contracted till 2024 at Lens but it is almost certain that he will leave Ligue 1 this summer and is inclined to join a Premier League side. Arsenal and Crystal Palace provide tough competition but Everton shouldn’t soften.
According to Daily Mail, Palace manager Patrick Vieira has made Doucoure his transfer priority number one. Vieira is aware of Doucoure’s talents since the Frenchman managed Nice and is confident that the Malian will do well in the English Premier League.
The report further adds that Lens will accept an offer in the region of £15 million for Doucoure. The player has emerged as one of the most promising young midfielders in France and clubs should prize him away this summer.
The £15 million asking price isn’t going to be a stumbling block for the Eagles and they should be prepared to pay it. Everton cannot let a fine midfielder like Doucoure slip off their list. The Toffees have to act fast as Palace are eager to strengthen its midfield.
The arrival of a holding midfielder is absolutely necessary this summer. The Royal Blues need a strong midfield base and acquiring a technical sought after No.6 will be the first step.
Will Everton beat Crystal Palace to sign Cheick Doucoure?