Everton given plenty encouragement to explore £12.8m Romain Faivre deal as transfer news emerges
Everton are in the hunt for exit-bound Lyon midfielder Romain Faivre and have reportedly been given plenty of encouragement to explore a multi-million-pound deal.
Having apparently lost the faith of Laurent Blanc at Lyon, after joining in January 2022, the French wizard was shipped out to FC Lorient and enjoyed a fruitful loan spell, registering five goals and three assists in Ligue 1 in just 16 appearances.
And according to French outlet Foot Mercato [23 June], Everton have joined the race for the talented forward with Lyon open to a potential sale.
However, there was no permanent option in his loan deal and Lyon are tipped to go with the highest bidder for his services this summer, as the club “needs money”, giving the Toffees all the boost they need to explore a potential bargain deal.
It is believed that Faivre’s asking price is set at no less than €15million [£12.8m] and there is also interest from both Fulham and Crystal Palace.
It’s no secret that Sean Dyche will be desperate to add to his attacking and creative weaponry this summer after enduring another disappointing Premier League campaign last year, only battling against the drop by the skin of their teeth.
One of the main issues for Everton’s campaign was their problems in attack, recording the second-worst goals record of any Premier League side with just 34, and having to deal with a number of injury problems to their main man up front Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while last summer’s supposed marquee signing Neal Maupay struggled to set Goodison Park alight.
Everton have already got their rebuild plans underway it seems with talks reportedly held between the Toffees and Leeds [Football Transfers, 18 June] over their star forwards Willy Gnonto and Jack Harrison, either of whom would be solid additions given their Premier League experience.
And Dyche certainly wouldn’t mind adding to that potential attacking weaponry by securing a relatively cheap and sensible £12m-plus move for Faivre who has emerged as one of Europe’s most creative wide-forwards.
As per FBRef, the left-footed wizard is also always looking to produce moments of quality in the final third, ranking in the 97th percentile for successful take-ons, 94th percentile for progressive passes and the 95th percentile for pass completion, so loves to take on his marker and is strong in his link-up play with his fellow teammates.
He also ranks in the 83rd percentile of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for shot-creating actions per 90 minutes, showcasing his tremendous wizardry and decisive moments when creating chances.
Such talents are desperately needed at Goodison Park, with Dyche potentially set to losing one of his most decisive in the final third in Alex Iwobi who has opened up on his ambitions to play in the Champions League, and Demarai Gray attracting Premier League interest.
At £12.8m, Faivre represents a smart bargain acquisition and with Lyon desperate to sell and in search of funds, there’s no reason why Everton can’t look to drive some of that price down and acquire a leading young creative outlet on the continent.