Everton loanee Andre Gomes ‘very happy’ away from Goodison Park
Andre Gomes was surplus to requirements at Everton which subsequently saw him leave Merseyside on loan and join French side Lille.
The Portuguese international has played seven matches so far which is just a shade over half of the fixtures and has helped the 2020-21 Ligue 1 winners to sixth in the table.
The 29-year-old has got a new lease of life in France and made comparisons with the Premier League when doing an interview with L’Equipe.
“It’s a mix between the Premier League and La Liga,” he said. “It’s a pretty good surprise, to be honest, but don’t take it in a bad way. I played against French teams in the past, in the pre-season in the Champions League, but I didn’t have the experience that I have now.
“Being there is great, I’m very happy. It’s a very, very good surprise, the level is very high, the intensity too, there are plenty of good players, good teams. Many play at the top of the table. That’s competition. A mix of quality and intensity, hence the Premier League and La Liga mix.”
Get rid
Gomes’ time at Goodison Park has now passed its sell-by date and while a loan is alright for now, Everton have to find a way to get rid entirely in the summer when he returns to Merseyside.
Perhaps Lille will be impressed enough to sign him permanently at the end of his season in Northern France and that would be a huge relief for Frank Lampard and Everton.
Alex Iwobi has reinvented himself into the role Gomes would likely slot into and that is without mentioning the other central midfielders who have come into the side and excelled so far.
The 29-year-old is just one of a number of players who need to be culled from the bloated Toffees squad in the summer with Lampard now needing to put his own spin on things with Premier League status now safe.
Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina and Salomon Rondon should all be looking over their shoulders at the trap door as players who could be sold if the right bid comes in.