The Toffees have re-signed Idrissa Gueye from Paris St-Germain on a two-year deal for a fee of about £2m. For over a month now, Everton had been working on how to get Gueye back to the club. Another midfielder, James Garner has also joined the club for an initial fee of £9 million.
In 2019, Gueye was the then reigning players’ player of the season at Everton before he was bought by the giants of France, PSG for £30m.
The English 21-year-old midfielder, James Garner happens to be the eighth signing of the Blues. He spent the last season on loan at Nottingham Forest. His fee could rise at any moment to about £15milliion.
James Garner
The England Under-21 International was a key player at Nottingham Forest where he helped them reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and helped them return to the Premier League after 23 years of exile. He did this with 49 appearances and scored four goals.
“I’m made up to sign for Everton. It’s a huge step in my career and I want to help the team get better while progressing as a player.” Garner said
“The manager [Frank Lampard] has got a real plan for the club and for me. Working with him on a daily basis is major for me. Him and his staff can take me and the team to the next level.”I feel like I can bring real energy to the team – it is something that Everton definitely demands and I can add that in abundance. I have got quality as well so hopefully, I can be a big part of us having a good season.”
Proud moment for me and my family joining such a great club in @Everton . Cant wait to get started. Up the toffees!!🔵 pic.twitter.com/DXAyLudgdI
— James Garner (@jgarnerr96) September 1, 2022
The Return of Gueye to Everton
Between 2016 and 2019, the Senegalese International, Gueye, has worn the Toffees shirt 108 times. He feels it is the right time to return to the Blues.
“There is also a great atmosphere at the stadium and everyone here is like a family”, he said. “I felt very, very good when I was here [the first time] and even when I went to Paris, I kept in touch with some of the players and continued to support the team. For me, it’s special. I told PSG if I am going to leave, it will be for one team — and that was Everton.”
Just like James, Gueye was instrumental to PSG. While he was in France, he won the Ligue 1 title and the French Cup twice. In 2020, he was part of the squad that reached the final of the Champions League, the biggest competition for clubs in Europe. One may say that Gueye has a whole lot of experience that Everton would need.
Lampard’s Comment On Gueye’s Move Back to Everton
Everton manager Frank Lampard had this to say about Gueye:
“We are delighted to add a player of Idrissa’s quality and experience to the squad. We have been eager to strengthen our midfield options and his attributes will undoubtedly benefit the squad.
“Idrissa has played at the highest level of football. Evertonians know all about his tireless work-rate and the value he brings to a team, and we are looking forward to him bringing all of that now he’s back at the club.”
Re-signing Gueye is a smart move for Everton even though he is in his 30s. His style of holding the midfield is something that could be a real treasure to Everton. He can put his foot in, he can press, break things up and get things moving. That was the hallmark of his time at the club between 2016-19. Since he is also very familiar with the club, he would settle in just fine.
