Everton have already started making moves in the summer transfer market as Sean Dyche prepares for his first summer transfer window as the Everton manager. The Toffees escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth and in order to avoid such an occurrence, Everton need to strengthen their squad. The Blues of Liverpool are keeping a close eye on FC Midtjylland midfielder Emiliano Martinez.
Everton midfield currently houses Amadou Onana, Idrissa Gueye, Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Garner and Tom Davies. Davies could walk out as a free agent if a new deal is not offered to him in the coming days, whereas, Onana’s future also remains unclear. He rejected a move away from Goodison Park in January but clubs across England and Europe are expected to knock on the doors again.
Dyche has a settled midfield of Doucoure, Gueye and Onana. At times, he has preferred Garner over Onana but he will want to add depth to the midfield positions. According to Uruguayan journalist Rodri Vazquez, Everton and Bordeaux are in contention to sign Midtjylland midfielder Martinez.
Everton make a firm offer for midfielder Emiliano Martinez
The 23 year old Uruguayan has had a spectacular season at Midtjylland, playing 31 games in the season. The defensive midfielder has been a reliable presence in the engine room, mopping up in the midfield and winning balls for Midtjylland. Martinez has offers on the table from Everton and Ligue 2 side Bordeaux. It is almost a fact that the Uruguayan midfielder will leave the Danish club this summer despite his current contract running till 2027.
Martinez is primarily a defensive midfielder but can also operate in a central midfield position. The 23 year old averages 3.81 tackles per 90 minutes and 2.36 blocks per 90 minutes. Martinez is competent at breaking up opposition play and making vital blocks and interceptions to win the ball back for his side.
His impressive campaign with the Danish side has attracted interest from clubs across Europe and a move is mooted. Martinez’s unknown quantities can backfire in the Premier League but he has shown glimpse of his skills in the Europa League for the world to notice.
Martinez is valued at €3.5 million (£3 million) by Transfermarkt. EFC do have a cash crunch this summer but wise investments need to be made as the current squad quality is below par. Having depth in defensive midfield will relieve Gueye to a certain extent but as things stand, a move hasn’t materialized.
Will EFC sign Emiliano Martinez?