By Joe Ellis

29th Nov, 2022 | 7:40pm

Idrissa Gana Gueye demanded agent refused other offers as Everton came calling

Idrissa Gana Gueye chose to return to Everton in the summer transfer window despite other opportunities after what he told his agent.

The 33-year-old left Merseyside for French giants Paris Saint-Germain in 2019 but failed to make a lasting impression in the Parc Des Princes and eventually escaped the club in 2022 to come back to what he calls home.

Gueye, who is currently playing for Senegal at the World Cup, revealed to Everton’s official website that he demanded his agent turn down any other offers once the Toffees approached him.

“There were other opportunities, but I told my agent to refuse them straight away,” he said. “It wasn’t in my plan to come back, but, as soon as Everton called me and said they needed me and wanted me to help… I cannot say no. It’s my home, that’s how I feel.

“I can’t say no to Everton, regardless of if they’re a the top of the league or bottom. It doesn’t matter for me because I care about this club. I’m up for this challenge and I want to help us move up the table.”

Rock solid

Frank Lampard desperately needed a sturdy holding midfielder to bring his whole team together and in Gueye, he has a very good one even if he is starting to get on a bit in age.

The Senegalese international is helped by the impressive stamina of Amadou Onana alongside him, of course, but the way he reads the game and wins most of his tackles is unrivalled among the rest of the squad.

Results before the World Cup may not have been what Lampard and Everton fans were hoping for but the ingredients of a very good team are mostly there already.

It could only take one or two January additions to turn things around at Goodison Park and see the club suddenly surge up the Premier League table.

But no matter who Lampard decides to sign, Gueye’s experience and quality on the ball cannot be sacrificed after remaining patient all summer to bring him home.