Sky Sports pundit delighted by Idrissa Gueye resolve as Everton sign James Garner on top
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…
Kevin Campbell says it is “really nice to hear” that Idrissa Gueye stayed loyal to his Everton move despite competition from other teams, after the ex-Toffee’s return was confirmed alongside James Garner.
Everton secured a major one-two punch boost in the dying embers of the summer transfer window by getting deals over the line for the Paris Saint-Germain veteran and the Manchester United youngster on Wednesday (31 August), just inside Thursday’s deadline [Fabrizio Romano].
With Amadou Onana already signed earlier in the summer the Everton midfield is now brimming with quality, and Sky Sports pundit Campbell expects both to do a job immediately for Frank Lampard.
He exclusively told Goodison News as the news was coming in: “I think they do need the bodies. Idrissa Gueye obvious has been at the club before, he knows the club, and it’s really nice to hear that there were other clubs who were trying to get him.
“But he’d already given his word to Everton, which is really good so he’s stuck to his guns there.
“And Garner had a great season at Forest last season, not getting a game at Manchester United now, and he’s a talented young player.
“So I definitely think he’s one for the here and now, and the future. Whereas Gueye is for the short-term but you’ll probably get two or three years out of him.
“He’s a fit lad and he’ll do a job in that midfield.’
After some of the difficulties the club had earlier in the transfer window it is hugely gratifying that not only did they beat the competition to Gueye thanks to the player’s fortitude, but they also overcame a number of rivals for Garner.
Amid the turmoil of last season, the relegation battle, and the financial difficulties, it has felt like the Toffees’ lustre had reduced a lot, but these late successes in the market are a reminder that this is a club that has plenty to offer.
With the bonus news that the hierarchy are going to reject any offers from Chelsea for Anthony Gordon fans will be heading into deadline day jubilant, and if the green shoots of recovery on the pitch, led by the young winger himself, can continue to grow there will be plenty to be optimistic about around Goodison.