Everton should target 6ft 3in PSV Eindhoven midfielder Ibrahim Sangare this summer to replace the out of contract Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Sangare has been tenuously linked with a move to Goodison Park according to ESPN Voetbalpraat broadcaster Kenneth Perez, and with Everton’s midfield in line for a potential shake-up at the end of the current campaign, the Ivorian would be an ideal addition to Sean Dyche’s squad.
Indeed, at 25-years-old, Sangare still has his best years ahead of him and is five years younger than the 30-year-old Doucoure, who is currently one game into a three-match ban following his red card against Spurs last week.
The PSV star has seven goals and three assists in all competitions to his name so far this season, compared to Doucoure’s return of two goals and two assists, though Sanagre has played 17 more games.
Nonetheless, 10 goal contributions from a defensive midfielder is an impressive return, and with Everton struggling for goals throughout this season, creativity is an issue that Sean Dyche must address this summer.
Sangare could bring youth and goals to an ageing Everton midfield
Of course, the Toffees still may offer Doucoure a one-year extension to his current deal, with the situation still unresolved, but should the Malian depart, Sangare would be an ideal replacement in Everton’s midfield.
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His presence defensively could allow Belgian international Amadou Onana to progress in attack, utilising his pace and power, with 22-year-old James Garner, potentially Idrissa Gana Gueye’s long term replacement, alongside.
Indeed, it would be a far more youthful set-up to the club’s current ageing midfield, with an increased creativity ideally assisting Everton’s shot-shy forwards.
However, Sangare’s current contract at PSV runs until the summer of 2027 so Everton would have to pay a premium for his services and could be valued in excess of £30m.
Any move would of course depend on Everton securing Premier League football, with the Blues continuing their scrap for survival this Saturday at home to Fulham.