Jean-Philippe Gbamin could be set to leave Everton on a permanent basis this summer.
According to the Daily Mail Transfer Confidential bulletin, Lyon have opened talks with Everton over a move for Jean-Philippe Gbamin.
The midfielder will be desperate to leave Everton on a permanent basis this summer, having described his time at Goodison Park as a ‘nightmare’ before. Injuries have ruined his time on Merseyside.
The 27-year-old has made just 8 appearances for the club in all competitions since his £25 million arrival in 2019. That hefty transfer fee has been something of an embarrassment to the club ever since, as the Ivorian has barely been seen on the pitch.
Gbamin’s transfer stumbling block
Everton need to make sales this summer, and will surely take whatever they can get to clear Gbamin’s wages off the books. However, there could be a big obstacle preventing the move to Lyon, or anywhere else, at this time.
Gbamin is currently injured. It’s hard to say if he would pass a medical, or if the Ligue 1 outfit would be willing to go ahead with a transfer until the 16-cap Ivory Coast international is back to full fitness. Sean Dyche will be desperately hoping the deal can get over the line.
If Gbamin’s present fitness issue can be overlooked he will have a brilliant opportunity to rebuild his career in France. He got to enjoy some regular football on loan with Trabzonspor last season and will be keen to maintain that momentum into the new season.
If Everton can get Gbamin out of the door on a permanent basis they can finally consign this huge transfer misstep to the history books. In the meantime, Dyche will be focused on improving the squad he does plan to use to steer the Toffees clear of a relegation scrap this season.