Rafa Benitez is considering a reunion with Jean-Philippe Gbamin.
That’s according to Cadena SER, who have reported that Celta Vigo are considering snapping up the midfielder on a free transfer after he left Everton.
Gbamin joined the Toffees from Mainz for £25 million four years ago and was instantly plagued with injuries, failing to pick up a run of games at Goodison Park before he was sent out on loan spells to CKSA Moscow and Trabzonspor.
After making 19 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig last season, Gbamin returned to Merseyside still very far down the pecking order and out of Sean Dyche’s plans.
The ‘quality’ Ivorian’s agent had confirmed that his client was desperate to leave Everton this summer and the club were hopeful of raking in a fee for his exit, however Gbamin still hadn’t left as deadline day approached.
The Toffees were desperate to offload Gbamin’s £75,000-a-week wages and confirmed last week that they had terminated his contract, making him available as a free agent.
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Could Celta Vigo sign Jean-Philippe Gbamin?
It has been only days since he left Everton and the former Toffees boss, Benitez, is already considering a swoop for his former player.
The report claims that Celta Vigo have been desperate to sign a midfielder all summer but were far from director of football Luis Campo’s main priority, with the 58-year-old working tirelessly to bring Randal Kolo Muani to PSG.
Celta Vigo took a back seat in the window and have been left without a midfielder, meaning Benitez could now look to Gbamin in the free agent market.
It was previously thought that Gbamin was hopeful of a return to Germany, however he could be option to a Spain switch if he is guaranteed regular football. The 27-year-old made five appearances under Benitez and reportedly impressed him in training at Finch Farm.