Andre Gomes on his way to join Everton squad on US pre-season
Everton midfielder Andre Gomes is US-bound and has been allowed to join up with the squad separately on pre-season, according to The Athletic.
The Portugal international has been linked with a return to Benfica after it emerged he was not in the USA with the Toffees ahead of the Florida Cup.
However, manager Rafa Benitez has not made his mind up yet on Gomes’ future and wants to give everyone a fair chance, with the 27-year-old expected to be available for selection for the game against Mexican side Pumas on Wednesday.
Last chance saloon?
Gomes signed a five-year deal with the Toffees in June 2019 after initially spending 2018-19 on loan at Goodison Park, but the decision is starting to look like a costly one on the part of the club.
While he still has three more years left on his contract, not many fans would be heartbroken to see the former Barcelona man leave Merseyside this summer.
He has not been particularly impressive since joining us permanently, assisting just twice in 47 Premier League appearances.
It is a woeful return for someone expected to bring some creativity to the midfield, and it does not justify his status as one of the highest earners at Everton.
Benitez is expected to oversee major squad changes in the coming weeks, and we badly need to trim the wage bill.
Gomes would need to impress the new boss on tour, or the Spaniard could be keen to cash in on him when the club are still able to recoup a part of the £22million they spent on him two summers ago.
It could be the last chance saloon for the Portuguese, and he has to take his chance in every training session and every pre-season game if he wants to remain with Everton after the transfer window.
In other Everton news, Benitez reveals 30y/o Toffees man wants to play for England again after major development.
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