View: Everton should not give Sigurdsson contract extension
Carlo Ancelotti has indicated that Everton will look to extend Gylfi Sigurdsson’s contract with the club in the summer [Liverpool Echo], and that may not be the wisest move.
The Iceland international has a little over 12 months remaining on his current deal, having signed a five-year contract when he joined the Blues from Swansea in 2017.
Now Everton are prepared to extend the playmaker’s stay on Merseyside, with the club planning to enter talks with Sigurdsson’s people at the end of the season.
Despite having scored 23 goals and assisted 16 times in over 100 Premier League appearances during his time as an Everton player [Transfermarkt], Sigurdsson has found himself to be quite the divisive figure at Goodison Park.
The 31-year old has been criticised by many corners of the Everton fanbase in the past, having been described as ‘anonymous‘ and a ‘passenger‘, owing to the way in which he often fails to have any creative influence over his team.
The former Tottenham and Swansea often finds himself the weak link in Everton’s midfield; he isn’t as energetic as Abdoulaye Doucoure, he isn’t as strong and resolute as Allan and he isn’t as creative and technical as Andre Gomes.
Sigurdsson’s second season as an Everton player saw him score 13 goals in the Premier League [Transfermarkt], finishing the campaign joint-top with Richarlison, however since then he hasn’t been a clinical goalscorer either.
As someone who doesn’t possess strong mobility, who doesn’t have the desire to cover every blade of grass, who no longer contributes enough through goals and assists and who largely goes unnoticed in all but the rare few games, Gylfi does not seem worthy of a contract extension.
Additionally, given his age and his current market value, Everton won’t be able to rely on him much longer and if they don’t sell him soon they’ll miss out on the chance to recoup some of the extortionate price they paid to sign him from the Swans.
Ancelotti may want Sigurdsson to remain on Merseyside, but we think the club would be better off if they allowed him to leave Goodison Park once the transfer window reopens.
In other Everton news, Ancelotti has urged Alex Iwobi to speak up and explain to him where he would prefer to play.