Kevin Campbell: Jean-Philippe Gbamin struck by ‘bad luck’ at Everton
We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…
Things haven’t quite gone to plan for Jean-Philippe Gbamin since he came to Everton from Mainz in 2019 and he has now exited Goodison Park again.
The 26-year-old left Merseyside on loan for Russian Premier League outfit CSKA Moscow with the Toffees only paying around 30% of the Ivorian’s wages during that time [Fabrizio Romano, 23 February].
During his time at Goodison Park, he was plagued with injuries and featured just eight times for the first team in more than two years.
His misfortune with injuries hasn’t gone unnoticed by many surrounding Everton including former Toffee Kevin Campbell who acknowledges how tough it is to gain momentum when so much time is spent on the treatment table.
“He’s had nothing but bad luck since he’s been at Everton,” Campbell exclusively told Goodison News.
“It’s then very difficult to build up a head of steam to try and get game time. Going to Russia and being able to get game time is very important.”
Romano does also say today that there is no option to buy for the Russians so he could still play a part for Everton next season if he can find form in Moscow.
Now might not be the ideal time to make the move to Russia given the global situation they are embroiled in but in purely footballing terms, it’s a great move for Gbamin who can forget all that’s happened before and look ahead to the future.
He still has the ability to be a Premier League midfielder but he needs this time away to rediscover his love for the game and put a smile on his face again.
In other Everton news, this former Toffee would love to return to Goodison Park if he ever got the chance.