Everton show ‘serious interest’ to sign Dennis Geiger, face competition from Frankfurt
Everton are now showing “serious” interest to sign Hoffenheim midfielder Dennis Geiger, according to Bild journalist Christian Falk.
Writing for Caughtoffside (10 February), Falk has shared that the 24-year-old German midfielder could become Sean Dyche’s first signing at Everton next summer.
Eintracht Frankfurt and Benfica are also keeping tabs on the player whose contract runs out at the end of the season. It means, the Toffees can sign him for free in the summer.
Falk adds that while Frankfurt need a player of Geiger’s ability, the Toffees can lure him with a better offer. The player probably will have to choose between these two clubs over his next move.
“Dennis Geiger could become Sean Dyche’s first signing for Everton,” wrote Falk for Caughtoffside.
“There is serious interest there, he’s 24 and is set to become a free agent in the summer. Also, Frankfurt and Benfica are interested, so I think there will be competition between Frankfurt and Everton.
“Frankfurt has to act on the position and they need someone but Everton has a bit more money. I think Geiger’s future could be up to these two clubs.”
Good option
The Toffees tried their bolster their squad in the closing stages of the January transfer window but the club ran out of time to add new players.
In the summer, the club must take a holistic approach and move for players that fit their budget. However, the Toffees can hardly about next season, as they should focus now on the present campaign.
They first need to avoid relegation and a lot of their transfer activities will depend on their league status. If they do manage to survive, Dyche will still be able to attract quality players like Geiger, but the midfielder is unlikely to be attracted by the prospect of playing in the Championship.
He is a combative midfielder who has the ability to pick out passes from the deep. He could be a long-term replacement for Idrrisa Gueye.
It looks likely that Gieger won’t sign a new deal at Hoffenheim, and will be a man in demand next summer. He will be available for free, and it won’t be a big surprise if other teams join the race as well.