Everton in the front row for £16 million rated French midfielder

Everton are looking to make additions to their midfield. The Toffees need reliable players who can perform consistently to power their engine room. The Toffees are being linked to midfielders across Europe and the latest news suggests that Stade Rennais midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud is also a target for Everton.

Everton could see some ins and outs in the midfield department as the futures of Andre Gomes and Allan remain uncertain. Allan has admirers in Italy and even though there haven’t been any concrete evidence surrounding the Brazilian’s future at Merseyside, clubs like Lazio would like to sign him. On the other hand, Gomes was linked with a return to Portugal but ever since everything has been pretty silent.

Everton let go of Fabian Delph after his contract ran out this summer, while Donny Van de Beek returned to Manchester United after his loan deal expired. The Toffees will need new reinforcements and they have been linked to a number of midfielders.

During the negotiations of Richarlison, Everton and Tottenham also discussed the possibility of Harry Winks joining the Merseysiders. Lampard had given the green light to approach Winks but in the end, the deal fell through. Everton also hold interest in the Chelsea midfield duo of Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour but the Blues of London have not made a decision over the future of their young players as they continue to assess the situation.

Everton linked to Stade Rennais midfielder Benjamin Bourigeaud

Oleksandr Zincheko was also offered to Everton at some point and the Toffees were open to sign the versatile Ukrainian but Arsenal are now very close to completing the transfer of Zinchenko from Manchester City. The Toffees have now been mentioned as an interested party in Stade Rennais midfielder Boourigeaud. According to Tutto Mercato Web, Everton are in the front row for the 28 year old central midfielder.

The report mentions that Serie A side Fiorentina has initiated contacts with Stade Rennais for the Frenchman. Bourigeaud’s contract expires next summer, which is why a number of clubs have shown interest. In case Lazio sell Luis Alberto, Maurizio Sarri’s side will target Bourigeaud. In England, Everton and Leicester City, both have been mentioned in the front row.

Bourigeaud primarily operates as a central midfielder but has a knack to push forward toward the opposition goal. He registers 4.79 shot creating actions per 90 minutes, putting him in top eight per cent of midfielders in Europe in this metric. The Frenchman records 5.78 progressive passes per game, making him better than 98% of the central midfielders in Europe’s big five leagues.

He’s committed to helping the team in buildup and attack but also determined to help the team win the ball back or contribute in defence in some capacity. The 28 year old makes 1.38 interceptions, 1.55 blocks and 1.24 clearances per 90 minutes. (stats via FBREF)

These links have emerged from nowhere and seem to be just another product of the rumour mill. However, Bourigeaud is a player worth taking a look at. He’s rated at £16 million by the Transfermarkt and given that he has just one year left on his current deal, any club can get the Rennes midfielder for a reasonable price.

Should the Royal Blues consider Benjamin Bourigeaud?