Silva: Time to explore Gomes deal will come

Monday, 26 November, 2018 60comments  |  Jump to most recent

Marco Silva says that Everton will have a conversation with Barcelona about the possibility of signing André Gomes on a permanent basis when the time is right.

The Portuguese midfielder has slotted seamlessly into the Toffees' midfield since arriving from La Liga on a season-long loan over the summer and overcoming a hamstring injury that delayed his introduction to the Premier League for two months.

Gomes produced his most accomplished display to date during Everton's 1-0 win over Cardiff City on Saturday, dictating the tempo of the game from the middle of the park and also starting to venture further forward and contribute more in the final third.

The midfielder hammered one shot into the side-netting and produced another moment of deft footwork to work space for a dangerous centre from the byline, further examples of his talents that have ratcheted up the desire among Evertonians for the club to tie him down on a permanent transfer as soon as possible.

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Much will depend on what Gomes wants, not to mention Barcelona's willingness to sell a player who struggled to settle at the Nou Camp following a big-money move from Valencia two years ago. It was reported that the Spanish giants had quoted Everton a price of £35m to sign him last summer which would explain why an initial loan deal was preferred.

Silva was asked again by the Liverpool Echo if negotiating a full transfer for Gomes was in the works and he admitted that it would behoove the Blues hierarchy to try and make that happen but it won't be until next summer.

“I think in the right moment we have to do something to achieve one player like André,” Silva said. “We have time to do that.

“We are happy with him, he is enjoying the moment here and I don't think it is a good moment to talk every week because it's better they (Barcelona) forget about him a little bit!

“You go there in the right moment. André is enjoying his time but we don't want to put this pressure of a decision on him. It is early.

“When you make a loan, and not just André but Zouma as well, if you can do something tomorrow then you have to do it but football is not like that.

“At the end of the season we will talk to the players and with the clubs and after then we will take the decision or not.”

Director of Football, Marcel Brands, spoke along similar lines in Mundo Deportivo in Spain, saying:

"The season just started. We are happy with Andre, but will depend on him if he wants to continue with us.”

 

Reader Comments (60)

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Kunal Desai
1 Posted 26/11/2018 at 07:33:58
This will be down to Gomes and whether he wants to join us. Hopefully it plays out reminiscent to the Arteta deal. Hopefully Silva and Brands will persuade him to stay longer term.
Andy Williams
2 Posted 26/11/2018 at 08:14:54
Please, please, please. Every time I watch him I love him a little more.
Colin Metcalfe
3 Posted 26/11/2018 at 08:53:44
I have to admit, out of all our signings this summer, Gomes was the one who I was least excited about. Also, Brands describes how the scenario played out with Barcelona as if Gomes was some kind of afterthought but, my word, what a good player he's turning out to be, he compliments Gueye perfectly.

I hope young Davies learns from watching him how he moves the ball quickly and forward at every opportunity.

Barcelona will typically play hardball but the player himself will have no desire to return to the Nou Camp after what happened.

Derek Knox
4 Posted 26/11/2018 at 09:00:52
I believe the player want's to stay with us, but it's a difficult one: the better he plays, which is great for us, is also strengthening Barca's bargaining hand.

This could be further complicated by other teams watching him too, and expressing an interest, which would again hike the price up.

It is so infuriating to think of the money that has been totally wasted on buying duds, not just the fees but bloated contracts, over the past two or three years, prior to Marcel's and Marco's arrival.

I think most of us agree that Gomes is worth a hefty fee but, at the end of the day, it's not a bottomless money pit.

Martin Berry
5 Posted 26/11/2018 at 09:04:05
If the player and his family settle in the area and Gomes falls in love with the club, then he will stay.

I do not think him going back to Barca will be a problem as why would he chance a repeat of his previous history with them? More of a problem for us is the fact his ability has put him in the shop window for other clubs!

I am sure Marcel and Marco will have it all covered when the time for a decision comes round.

Dean Johnson
6 Posted 26/11/2018 at 09:45:08
Hey Colin, I was the opposite, he was the one I was most excited about. You can have all the quick wingers in the world but, if you've got no-one to dominate midfield, then it's pointless.

I think Gomes's arrival has shown what most Premier League teams are missing, not just us: Midfield control and calm.

Mike Kehoe
7 Posted 26/11/2018 at 10:08:48
This lad oozes quality and is exactly the type of player we need. Hopefully he sees his future here and we can continue to progress. Gomes and a striker and we will be pushing hard at top four.
Thomas Lennon
8 Posted 26/11/2018 at 10:14:24
The man will want Champions League footy. If we can realistically offer him a path to the Champions League, then it could be a Yes, but time is short to convince him. Let us say being in the mix for top 4 by the new year would go a long way, but there is a lot of footy to play and more than a bit of testing of squad depth to go before then.

Are we capable of that yet? History would say it will take 2 -3 seasons not 2-3 weeks.

Jerome Shields
9 Posted 26/11/2018 at 10:20:28
Gomes plays consistently at a high level and is still improving every game. Everton have a really good midfield trio in Gueye, Sigurdsson and Gomes. It would be worth paying a lot of money for Gomes, because getting a midfield trio like that together doesn't come very often.
John Hammond
10 Posted 26/11/2018 at 10:53:47
His signing was a surprise and I was 50/50 about him after his time at Barca but what a player. It'll be tough to keep him but you never know. If we carry on like this and he's really enjoying it and we can get into the Europa League, he may agree a permanent move.

I loved his eye roll after one piece of trickery got him past the defender and he flashed a sublime cross into the box with no-one in there.

James Hughes
11 Posted 26/11/2018 at 10:59:26
The effect Gomes has had on the team is impressive, he is bringing the best out of others. We aren't watching teams walk past our two defensive midfielders or seeing Gueye spend half the game left on his arse.

With the current line-up, I believe Seamus will get his wish and we will turn up and give them a game. Both Man Utd and Arsenal were fortunate to take all three points from their games against us, due in part to either Gueye or Gomes not playing.

Frank Crewe
12 Posted 26/11/2018 at 11:04:01
I am convinced that, if Gomes had been fit for all our games this season, then three of our four draws this season would have been wins. Maybe the West Ham defeat would have turned out differently as well.

As soon as he came into the side, it was like a new team. He is the top class midfield player we have been waiting for. He makes the game look easy and maybe for him it is.

After years of endless combinations that looked decent but eventually failed, we finally have a midfield that complement each other and look as good as any in the Premier League. If we have to choose between buying a top striker or buying Gomes, then keep Gomes.

Justin Doone
13 Posted 26/11/2018 at 11:16:27
Go and get. Exactly the type of player we have needed for so long. A midfielder with a brain, who can pass and control the midfield.
His work rate, strength and skill on the ball has also impressed me.

I like Mooy at Huddersfield, a similar player but Gomes has far more quality.

I think he'd want another crack at Barca (I can't blame him) but, if we could get him, I've no problem with a £30m to £40m valuation.

Justin Doone
14 Posted 26/11/2018 at 11:26:57
Anyone still thinks Schneiderlin deserves another crack? Ha ha ha.. one player we haven't missed, that's for sure.
Martin Berry
15 Posted 26/11/2018 at 11:39:40
Justin #13,

Spot on about Aaron Mooy, we should make a serious move for this player – he reminds me so much of a Peter Reid (but with more pace).

Of course, Gomes would be my first signing and let's hope we can do a deal.

Fran Mitchell
18 Posted 26/11/2018 at 11:42:34
He has elevated our level, that shows his quality. I am sure that if he was not playing, we would not be 6th at the moment.

Since he came in, Gueye has returned to being one of the most effective players in the league. Sigurdsson has started to play like a £45 million player. The fact that their form improving coincided with Gomes's entry into the team is no coincidence.

£35 million in today's market. Well worth it.

(GGG) Gueye, Gomes and Gylfi is up there with the best midfields in the Premier League.

Peter Mills
19 Posted 26/11/2018 at 11:49:17
He is a nice player to watch. He lacks a bit of pace, and it will be interesting to see if that is a major flaw when he comes up against the very best midfielders.

Someone on here, it may have been Mark Wilson, commented about the number of passes Gomes overhit on Saturday. I noticed that too, and wondered to myself whether that was a reason why he struggled at Barca, or whether it simply showed that some of our players are not quite up to speed with him yet?

Robert Leigh
20 Posted 26/11/2018 at 12:45:39
The fact of the matter is that if we don't get Gomes in on a four/five year deal we will need someone with his skill-set to play the way Silva wants to play.

If he costs £30mil, £40 mil or £50mil?

We need to pay it regardless.

Zouma is a fantastic third-choice centre-back and should be brought in permanently too; Holgate as fourth choice is a strong position to be in.

We then arguably only need a striker and another 'keeper and we are potentially top-6 material.

Exciting times, ladies and gents, exciting times.

Paul Hughes
21 Posted 26/11/2018 at 13:12:49
Were Aaron Mooy and Tommy Gravesen separated at birth?
Christy Ring
22 Posted 26/11/2018 at 13:26:43
Gomes is a breath of fresh air, and gives us balance, which we were totally lacking in midfield, a complete ball player.
Thomas Lennon
23 Posted 26/11/2018 at 13:46:35
Robert,

We need a lot more goals from the front 4 — THEN we will be top 4 material. If one signing can do that, great... but I suspect a bit of tinkering needs to happen yet. I guess, if we can move Richarlison back over to the left, it will help.

It is significant that Walcott was the reason we won on Saturday but only indirectly. He is a very good player but start sticking it in the net, Theo, because we need someone who will if you don't!

Sam Hoare
24 Posted 26/11/2018 at 14:53:12
I too was least excited by the signing of Gomes. What a revelation he's been. Though it's still quite early days.

Of course we will try to sign him. I don't imagine £35m will be a problem and I have a hunch that feeling loved and appreciated may be just as important to him as Champions League football.

But if, for any reason, the move does not happen then I have huge confidence in Brands and Silva to find an alternative.

Richarlison, Mina, Digne, Bernard, Gomes and Zouma. Have we ever had such a successful Premier League transfer window as last Summer? Perhaps the Lukaku, McCarthy, Barry one?

Julian Wait
25 Posted 26/11/2018 at 15:34:00
I love watching Gomes. His head is always up. He reminds me a lot of Paul Bracewell in many ways, the way he moves and the combination of silk and a subtle amount steel, and ability to deliver long passes with ease but more than that focusing on keeping the ball moving, and generally forwards. Sign him up, ASAP.
Minik Hansen
26 Posted 26/11/2018 at 15:50:13
Just shows the loan was worth it, imagine if we didn't. I'd rather he does good for us and exposes his ability to the parent club/other clubs than him not being here. Marcel and Marco will sort this out; let's just focus on the very next game. I bet Gomes will step up his game against this kind of opposition. COYB.
Tony Abrahams
27 Posted 26/11/2018 at 16:03:15
I reckon he's over hit a few of those passes because he his just glad to be getting his game back together again, Peter@19.

The weight has probably lifted, and it's hopefully just a little bit of excitement at being able to play free again, especially when he could have just rolled half of these passes gently into space... and especially because it's easy from the sidelines as well!

Peter Gorman
28 Posted 26/11/2018 at 16:05:03
Gomes knows he is loved and appreciated here, not just by us fans purring on TW but by his compatriot coach.

I'd like to think he is very open to the possibility of making the loan something more permanent. He doesn't strike me as a Manny Fernandes.

Rob Halligan
29 Posted 26/11/2018 at 16:23:39
Should we make an offer to Barcelona for Gomes, and they accept, I'm pretty certain we can sign him anytime during the season, and not just in the forthcoming January transfer window. Didn't we sign Tim Howard on a permanent basis from Man Utd outside the transfer window, but only on the condition we never played him against United?

It would be great to sign Gomes before January and therefore keep any potential vultures away from him. As many have said, he looks really settled at the club. His video when he done a bus tour round the city before buying a young supporter an Everton hoodie and scarf seems to suggest so.

Dave Abrahams
30 Posted 26/11/2018 at 16:24:04
Paul (21), I think they were and Mooy took both sets of
brains.
Harry Hockley
31 Posted 26/11/2018 at 16:31:33
Pay whatever Barca want for him come the time; I don't see the logic in saying "He is playing too well" – he's just the player we've been wanting for such a long time... now he is here, people start to talk it down as regards to the fee etc. Give ya heads a wobble! Would you rather him be shite?

The ball's in Barca's court, always has been; hopefully he keeps turning in these great displays, as he has=s been doing. Make sure he feels the love from us fans, this is his new home now so let's make him feel welcome and want to stay.

Jay Harris
32 Posted 26/11/2018 at 16:47:40
The lad is class but we still need someone who can score goals from midfield and a top-class striker.

It is unreasonable to expect Sigurdsson and Richarlison to carry the goal burden alone.

Bernard, despite his silky skills, couldn't hit a cow's arse with a banjo and Theo seems to have lost his hunger or confidence or both.

Gana also needs to improve his shooting to justify a place in a top six team.

Despite all the creativity and domination against Cardiff, we still only scored one goal. That is extremely worrying.

Geoffrey Williams
33 Posted 26/11/2018 at 18:30:45
Definitely a player we need to sign if at all possible.
Harry Hockley
34 Posted 26/11/2018 at 19:50:18
Jay, we have the midfielders, we just need a striker who can score goals and help players like Richarlison and Bernard into the game a bit more.

As for Gana, it's not a priority for him to be able to score goals; not his job, Just look at the top 6 ventral defensive midfielders: Kante, Torerria, Henderson, Dembele etc — none of whom are known for the scoring capabilities but all are top players in their positions. (Don't quote me on Henderson!)

Robert Leigh
35 Posted 26/11/2018 at 20:07:44
Agree with you, Harry – not Gana's game at all, look how Kante is playing at Chelsea for reference.

Bernard needs to get a goal and I'm convinced he'll grow into the league more (not a height joke).

If he isn't up to it, I'd like to see Calvert-Lewin given a go up top. His pace and movement can create space for others, and he can interchange with a left hand sided Richarlison and a right hand sided Walcott or Lookman.

Paul Birmingham
36 Posted 26/11/2018 at 20:43:06
Gomes is a class act and Rolls-Royce midfield potential. I sense he is enjoying himself at Everton and likes the city and is an idol for the supporters.

I'd like to think Marcel is building a plan to sign him full time. Let's see him flourish and this season EFC kick on with Gomes and he is here for pre-season.

Gomes and a proven centre-forward is the wish list. I reckon, next summer, there'll be a few new players in but more going out.

Mark Taylor
37 Posted 26/11/2018 at 21:02:37
Mmmm. I was among those who were perhaps most pleased with Gomes of all the signings because we are in urgent need of someone more progressive in midfield who is calm on the ball and can produce forward momentum. The antithesis of someone like Fellaini, for example, or Schneiderlin, or, to be frank, Davies at his current level.

That said, I don't think he's been all that brilliant. More a case of a better start than perhaps one could hope to expect, coming off a morale-sapping failure at Barca and a nasty injury. I think his biggest effect so far has been enabling others in the team to play better because their roles are more clearly defined, especially Sigurdsson who, lest we forget, spent most of last season festering on the left wing because we had a surfeit of No 10s.

As others have said, this is going to come down to Barca and whether they have a clear idea of how they would use Gomes, and if they can persuade him of their plans. if they can. He won't be staying here, but I think there is a good chance they don't have a clear plan for him and if they do, that it's once bitten, twice shy. Let's hope so.

A shout out for Digne. Of all the signings, he is the one I was most ambivalent about but he has perhaps been the best of all of them.

Mark Andersson
38 Posted 26/11/2018 at 21:39:44
Man Utd or Liverpool will put a bid in for him just to stop us buying him or just to put his price up...

I hope Brands and Silva have a Plan B!!!

Andy Williams
39 Posted 26/11/2018 at 22:58:52
Yes Julian. Bracewell was my favourite player and I can definitely see the similarity. I feel Gomes continues to advance as he has done I can see him giving PB a run for his money.
Christy Ring
40 Posted 26/11/2018 at 23:57:37
Andy and Julian, Bracewell was my favourite as well, and if Gomes continues to excel consistently, to be even compared to Bracey, shows the talent he has.

I still remember that shocking tackle by Billy Whitehurst. Bracewell was already an England international at 22, and still nowhere near his prime, and all set for the World Cup in Mexico. It put him out of the game for over two years; he never played for England again, and was never the same player.

Simon Smith
41 Posted 27/11/2018 at 00:23:16
It's going to be a long season waiting to see if Gomes signs, he will be linked with all the top Premier League sides throughout the season.

He seems to get better each week, especially as his fitness and strength continues to grow, but the worrying thing is he will see he's suited to the league and his agent will most probably speak to every club about, once this happens wages start to become an issue.

Also, Barca hold all the cards as we don't have an option to buy... so, every time he plays well, his value increases.

Would anyone be surprised to see Man City take him? If ever there was a City/Pep style player, then Gomes was it. Fernandinho will be 34 before the end of the season, Silva ain't far behind and Delph is a million miles behind Gomes.

Gavin Johnson
42 Posted 27/11/2018 at 06:24:15
Remember when we were trying to sign a top class midfielder under Koeman and players like Witsel were courted but it didn't happen. We weren't seen as big enough to sign that kind of player. I would place Gomes in that category, a player who let's be honest would always have better options on the table.

Now we have moved on as club since then, with Brands coming on board and the new stadium now being more than just talk. We have seen a better calibre of player signed under Brands. I would place Gomes as a step up and a tangible sign of progress should a permanent deal happen.

Gomes seems an intelligent sensitive guy, and being made to feel wanted should carry a lot in our favour.

Simon Smith #41, Yes, I could see Pep wanting Gomes in the summer and should he, he would most probably get him and in the wider context it would be another way to keep Everton in their place.

Jon Ferguson
43 Posted 27/11/2018 at 09:09:36
I was not excited at all about signing Gomes, but I am a definite convert. We've been badly missing a creative midfielder since Arteta. Gomes always looks so composed and his passing is classy. I reckon he'll improve further as the season progresses.

He looks to have bought into the club, hopefully that will count for something because, like others on this thread, I reckon other big clubs will be sniffing around at the end of the season.

Tony Everan
44 Posted 27/11/2018 at 11:02:17
He won't go to Liverpool, it's not worth the hassle. If he goes, it will be Barca, Man City, Chelsea, Man Utd etc.

If we can get 4th spot, I think he will stay, and be bought for £40m – even then, Barca will have a buyback clause in there.

If we come 6th and Europa League bound, I hope we can convince him to stay and convince him we will strengthen further for next season and a credible top 4 assault.

Derek Knox
45 Posted 27/11/2018 at 11:02:24
Gavin, I appreciate that other clubs may look at him too, but I am not convinced that he would be the sort of player that would interest Man City.

I also think that the player is savvy enough to realise that most Champions League clubs have large quality squads, and one or two below-par performances could result in weeks either on the bench or in the reserves.

Having experienced that at Barca, he would not want to repeat it. I personally think, if we can qualify for the Europa League (not ideal), it would be enough for the team to acclimatise to European Football. The likes of Gomes would be tempted to stay in the knowledge that, if fit, he is almost an automatic choice.

Jason Broome
46 Posted 27/11/2018 at 11:07:10
I think we need to give Brands a new extended contract!

For the first time since the '80s I see an Everton midfield that has the ability and potential to be world class.

It says a lot when fans name Theo Walcott as the weak link! Wasn't he our best midfielder last season!?

Gomes isn't stupid and probably looks around the dressing room at a potential Champions League team and knows that he is becoming a fundamental part of it. I expect him to stay.

As for Brands, I look forward to the list of players he has in his vault. I'm sure he has a plan to advance us over the next couple of years and I can't wait to see who he brings here.

Jim Harrison
47 Posted 27/11/2018 at 11:08:27
It would be lovely if he turns out to be that footballer who falls in love with a club and forces a transfer there even in the face of better financial offer.

Not only does the player want the move, the club selling him, who in this case are a monster of a club in terms of clout, have a major say.

If a better offer comes in, from a better positioned club, we have to hope that the feelgood factor he is hopefully currently feeling is enough to influence his choice personally.

James Hughes
48 Posted 27/11/2018 at 11:58:27
Jason #46, I would urge caution on offering new contracts to our new management team. A few good months should not lead us to believe we have started work on building Rome.

If anything, our recent experience with Bobby Brown Shoes should teach us that. Didn't it cost us over £10 million to sack him? It would have been a lot less if we hadn't changed his terms halfway through his first season.

Steven Astley
49 Posted 27/11/2018 at 13:47:45
Jay #32 – Theo has recently lost his Granddad – it might explain why he has been a little below par in the last couple of games.
Jay Harris
50 Posted 27/11/2018 at 19:03:51
I didn't know that, Steven. It might explain his lack of concentration recently but I would have thought the club would have given him a rest to get over it.
Neil Copeland
51 Posted 27/11/2018 at 21:08:29
Jay #50, perhaps they did but he was determined to play.

Talking of Paul Bracewell, does anyone remember the cross-field pass he played to Trevor Steven who then took it on and scored against Sunderland? Even the Sunderland supporters applauded the pass and goal.

Ray Roche
53 Posted 27/11/2018 at 21:42:11
Neil, a great goal that was! Didn't Gray score with a diving header in that game as well?
Terry White
54 Posted 27/11/2018 at 22:12:36
2 headers, Ray (#53), for the first 2 goals.
Neil Copeland
55 Posted 27/11/2018 at 22:28:40
Terry, beat me to it. One of my all time favourite Everton performances, they were absolutely class.
Bill Gienapp
56 Posted 27/11/2018 at 22:37:40
It's not surprising Barcelona were unwilling to listen to offers over the summer, given that Gomes's value was essentially at rock bottom. If he played well for us on loan, they could extract a much higher fee, or attract additional suitors. It's smart business, unfortunately.

As others have suggested, I'm guessing that Gomes's hellish experience last season means he'll prioritize playing somewhere he feels comfortable. I suspect Silva's presence, among other factors, will go a long way towards tipping the odds in our favour.

Andy Williams
57 Posted 27/11/2018 at 22:44:23
Christy, I hated that yard dog for that tackle. It was appalling.

Neil, Steven won goal of the season for that but I still talk about that pass as the best I've ever seen. He was facing the wrong way when he hit it.

David Ellis
58 Posted 28/11/2018 at 10:47:43
Christy, Andy, Neil & Terry etc on Bracewell,

Yes, also my favourite player. I've never been a regular at Goodison but I was present at that Sunderland game (in April 85?) and better still took a couple of mates from Yorkshire who were Leeds Utd fans. What a game to take them too! They were well impressed (and in those days were impressed with the ground too).

Jimmy Hill on the MotD made a point of that pass from Bracewell to Steven and on the back of that he got into the England team (at a time when getting picked for England was a BIG DEAL). I was one very proud Toffee.

Such a shame he was injured in '86. Cost England the World Cup and Everton the Treble – I'm sure.

Mike Galley
59 Posted 28/11/2018 at 11:13:54
Regarding that Sunderland game, not sure if anyone remembers but Tricky's goal got Goal of the Month on MotD. But also, Andy Gray's two headers that day came 2nd and 3rd. Oh to experience days like that again!!
Mike Keating
60 Posted 28/11/2018 at 11:54:50
I had to take the train to Stalybridge after that Sunderland game – all their fans were so impressed by our performance. They were already resigned to relegation but hoped we would win the league. One of the reasons I have a soft spot for them. We all agreed that the pass to Steven was world class.

Billy Shitehurst should have been banned for life – a yard dog of the lowest pedigree.

Neil Copeland
61 Posted 28/11/2018 at 17:57:41
David #58, I had forgotten about Tricky getting injured at the World Cup. I remember England were struggling to get past the group stage and had to beat Poland I think. Up until then, the Everton midfield players had only been used as subs, but started against Poland and, lo and behold, we won 3-0 and went on to play well until Tricky got injured and the “Hand of God” intervened.
Tony Abrahams
62 Posted 28/11/2018 at 19:35:13
I've been watching Everton for nearly 44 years and, other than Munich, that Sunderland game still comes out on top for me.

What a team we were... and, although Bracewell's pass got the plaudits, Andy Gray's first header is still my favourite ever Everton team goal.

Neil Copeland
63 Posted 28/11/2018 at 22:17:48
Another game which lives long in my memory is 4-0 away win at Newcastle on Boxing Day. I went with a mate, we were awesome then also with Tricky again turning on the style.

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