Stories are circulating that Everton are in talks with their former midfield enforcer Idrissa Gana Gueye about the Senegal international returning to Goodison Park.
According to these reports the PSG star could be coming back to Everton for the upcoming season, probably initially on loan.
The Toffees’ have been very active over recent days with two new players added Ruben Vinagre and Dwight McNeil.
Gueye was a hugely popular player during his three-year spell on Merseyside before he got his dream move to the French champions in summer 2019.
His dynamic and energetic performances often galvanised the team and he was a pivitol player for both Ronald Koeman and then his ultimate successor Marco Silva.
The Senegal midfielder was a consumate defensive player able to get around the pitch very well, who loved to tackle and break up opposition moves and then quickly and effeciently use the ball to start attacks.
His athleticism and grittiness was critical to allowing Silva in particular to play the sort of tactics and formations he wanted.
Hise energy and combatitiveness allowed his central midfield partner Andre Gomes to pay much more freely and link up with the Toffees’ attack when he produced his best displays. If he returned, could he do the same with say Abdoulaye Doucoure?
As his performances got him more attention other clubs were linked with a move for the player. Eventually, Gueye got a move away and Silva brought in Jean-Philippe Gbamin to replace him. As we all know that didn’t happen and Silva was sacked six months later.
I think that that the club has never replaced the former Aston Villa player once he finally left for pastures new in the 2018 summer transfer window.
The work-rate, coverage and defensive shield he produced has been missed ever since he departed and the various managers who have come and gone since Silva have tried and failed to adequately replace him.
Gueye has been a consistently effective contributor to PSG’s team and has been playing alongside stellar talents such as Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi.
Despite being a key part of title winning sides and playing in the Champions League, new PSG boss Christophe Galtier doesn’t seem to have him in his plans for the future.
So, the 32-year-old could well be available for other clubs, hence the links to Everton and a return to Merseyside.
Personally, I would be happy to see Gueye back in a royal blue shirt, even just for a season on loan. I think many Evertonians would probably agree about that.