Everton eye £22.5 million Argentine midfielder but formal offer yet to be made

Everton midfield is one of the most vulnerable areas at the moment and Frank Lampard seems adamant about repairing the engine room. A host of midfielders have been linked to the club, but most recently, Real Betis midfielder Guido Rodriguez has been associated with a possible move to Everton.

The midfield saw the departures of Fabian Delph, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Donny van de Beek, who returned to Manchester United. Everton currently houses Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Andre Gomes, Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Tom Davies as midfield options. The futures of Gomes and Gbamin could be away from Everton which would leave the Toffees with insubstantial depth in central midfield.

This is the very reason why the Merseysiders have been linked to a number of midfielders. The links began with Cheick Doucoure then it was Harry Winks and Chelsea duo Conor Gallagher and Billy Gilmour. The Toffees never reached an agreement with Tottenham for Winks, whereas Chelsea are not keen to send Gallagher on another loan. This has pushed Everton to seek alternatives in the market as time is ticking.

Lampard has wanted to sign a No.6 who is comfortable in possession and can guard the defence. The former Chelsea boss has used two systems in the pre-season, using a back four and a three centre back system. In both formations, there is a need for a strong holding midfielder and the Toffees eye Rodriguez.

Everton interested in Guido Rodriguez

According to journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Everton have set their sights on Real Betis midfielder Rodriguez. The Royal Blues have been in contact with the player but so far they haven’t launched any formal offers.

Rodriguez plies his trade in the engine room and has been a key cog in the Betis midfield since his move from Club America in 2020. The Argentine is excellent at winning the ball back in one-on-one situations, through neat tackles and pressuring opponents to close down a space. When deployed at the base of the midfield, Rodriguez scans the area around him and sensing any threat from opposition, he closes down the space.

The 28 year old is also strong in the air which makes him an asset in dead ball situations. Rodriguez is defensively sound which often allows the full backs to push forward as he gives additional security to the backline.

When playing for the Argentine national team, he partners Leandro Parades in a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-4-2. Rodriguez’s presence allows other players around him to use their skills in the attack and push forward when required.

Rodriguez has a market value of £22.5 million and his contract runs till 2024 so the Merseysiders won’t get the Betis man for cheap.

Can Everton sign Guido Rodriguez?