Everton are trying to add steel to their midfield and have been chasing the signatures of Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana. The Toffees have reinforced their attack and defence by signing Dwight McNeil, James Tarkowski and Ruben Vinagre but the midfield lacks reliable players.
Everton had players like Harry Winks, Conor Gallagher, Billy Gilmour and Leander Dendoncker on the shortlist but concrete attempts were not made to get any of the deals over the line. Last week, links to Gueye started emerging from England and France, as Everton eyed a reunion with the Senegalese midfielder.
PSG wanted to offload Gueye as soon as possible and the Merseysiders were happy to take the 32 year old back, after selling him to PSG three years ago. Gueye’s arrival means that Everton have a reliable and sturdy holding midfielder who can win the ball back.
Everton were linked to LOSC Lille midfielder Onana all summer. West Ham United had submitted a bid of £33.5 million which was accepted by the French side. However, Everton looked to hijack the deal by offering the same amount to Lille and offering a better package to the 20 year old. Onana prefers to join Everton instead of West Ham which would sound like melodious music to fans’ ears.
Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye are unlikely to be available for Everton against Chelsea
In order to have both players available for the Chelsea game, the Toffees need to complete both the deals before noon on 5th August. While in Gueye’s case, the player has accepted a deal and is ready for a medical, the final details are being worked out between the clubs.
In Onana’s case, the offer has been submitted and the player wants to join Everton, however, the deal is not yet complete. According to journalist Alan Myers, discussions are ongoing for Onana and Gueye and work is being done to get the deals done. However, Myers believes that nothing is imminent and it is unlikely that either of the signing will be available for the Chelsea game.
As far as I’m aware discussions ongoing regarding Onana and Gueye, nothing imminent and unlikely anyone in for Saturday at this point but work being done
— Alan Myers (@ALANMYERSMEDIA) August 4, 2022
Even though the deal could be completed before the game on Saturday, players need to be registered before the noon of 5th August. So, it’s a bittersweet update as work is being done in the background to complete the transfers but they won’t be done in time to get the players in the squad before the Chelsea tie.
It is looking increasingly likely that Lampard will have to choose his midfield from the current roster. Andre Gomes and Tom Davies are out whereas Allan will be in the squad but doesn’t have the match fitness so he’s unlikely to start the game.
Will Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gueye be signed before the second game of the season?