Gylfi Sigurðsson close to joining Everton
The Icelandic international is close to joining the Toffees for £50 million in what would be a blockbuster move.
Everton
The Blues have been linked with him throughout the summer, so this move isn’t a surprise. The Swans have been adamant that they were unwilling to sell him for less than £50 million, which has delayed the move from happening until now due to Everton’s first two bids for him being £40 million and £45 million.
This is a huge move for both clubs due to Sigurðsson’s influence at Swansea and the creativity he will bring to the Merseysiders. Everton lack a proper No 10. with Ross Barkley’s imminent departure, so Sigurðsson has a clear role to fill. The Europa League first leg against MFK Ružomberok showed their lack of creativity in central areas.
They clearly need someone to link up their industrious midfield and their talented attackers. In wide areas, they have Yannick Bolasie and Kevin Mirallas to stretch teams. However, having Sigurðsson to provide the killer ball will benefit the movement of Sandro Ramírez and the poaching instinct of Wayne Rooney.
Much has been made of the high fee for the Icelandic playmaker. It can’t be judged on its own, though, because it needs the context of the current transfer market inflation to be fully understood. He has proven quality in the Premier League and kept the Swans up due to being directly involved in 49% of their goals.
This summer is likely to see the world transfer record more than doubled due to Neymar’s potential transfer to PSG. Three of the top six teams have spent at least £50 million on a player; Arsenal and Liverpool haven’t been reluctant to spend money either. To even think about breaking into the top six, Everton have to do the same.
Swansea City
The loss of Sigurðsson will be huge for Swansea because he was the focal point of their creativity. £50 million is a lot of money, but his influence is more valuable than the money. If they do find a replacement, he is unlikely to adapt straight away. Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them have a slow start to the season. Their transfer business has been promising, though, because Paul Clement seems to have a clear playing style in mind.
It looks like they already have a replacement in mind with reports linking them to Ryad Boudebouz. If anyone is able to fill the specifics of the role then it is him. He was the hub of Montpellier’s attacking play through his set pieces and technical ability. Last season, he scored 11 goals and assisted nine as well as creating 117 chances. This was in a team which wasn’t necessarily blessed with talent either.
Next: Swansea's smart transfer policy
They will have to move in quick, though, because he has been linked with plenty of clubs. Real Betis are heavy favourites as Quique Setién looks to imprint his philosophy on the team. Other Premier League clubs have been linked as well with West Ham at the top of the pile.