How Christ Inao Oulai performed at 2026 World Cup as Everton ready midfielder transfer

Christ Inao Oulai caught the eye of Everton in the World Cup.

The Ivory Coast midfielder was one of the standout performers at the tournament and that has piqued the Blues' interest.

The Toffees have already strengthened their engine room with Hayden Hackney, but it appears that they are not done there.

Everton are one of several clubs who want Oulai, who looks destined to move this summer.

Trabzonspor are believed to want around £19million for the 20-year-old, who is a popular asset in the market right now.

The data from his showings for his country, suggest that the Merseysiders should sanction a move immediately.

What were Christ Inao Oulai's impressive numbers at the World Cup?

Inao Oulai put his name on the radar of big European clubs with his showings at the tournament.

He recorded a 90.6 per cent pass accuracy, creating 1.30 chances on a per 90 basis, according to data from Fotmob.

Defensively is where he truly stood out, though, as he made 2.60 tackles, 2.60 interceptions, 4.76 ball recoveries and 1.30 clearances per match.

In terms of duels, he won 63.3 per cent on the ground, and 60 per cent in the air.

If he could replicate those numbers in the Premier League, it would be a brilliant addition for David Moyes' side, but it remains to be seen whether they make their interest more concrete.

How have Ivorian players previously fared at Everton?

The Blues have had three Ivorian players in their history so far.

Ibrahima Bakayoko was the first in the 1998-99 season, and he notched seven goals in 28 matches.

The Blues paid £4.5m for his services, and recouped most of that with a £4m exit to Marseille just one year later.

The second was Arouna Kone, another striker who managed 10 goals in 62 games for the L3 outfit.

He left Goodison Park in 2017 after his deal expired, and joined Turkish side Sivasspor.

The last was a midfielder, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, but he made just eight appearances in an injury-ravaged spell on Merseyside.

If they did sign Inao Oulai, they would hope that he has a better fitness record than the £25m man.

The evidence from last season suggests that he can, with 25 Super Lig matches under his belt.

Oulai is set for a big move this summer, that's for certain, and it's over to Everton to make their move if they want it to be them.