Everton’s Premier League misfit Andre Gomes will not be returning to Lille as the ’economic framework’ makes a permanent move impossible for the Portugal international.
It speaks volumes about Everton’s shoddy squad management that, despite already getting nine players off the wage bill this summer, The Toffees are still lumbered with more deadwood than Sherwood Forest after a heavy storm.
Everton would ideally like to ship out Neal Maupay, Mason Holgate and the aforementioned Andre Gomes, to name but three.
The harsh reality facing Sean Dyche and co, however, is that few clubs outside of Premier League are willing to stump up considerable sums for unwanted players on eye-watering wages.
Gomes, according to Spotrac, remains Everton’s second-highest earner on £110,000-a-week. And while impressive during a loan spell at Lille in 2022/23, the fees involved for any potential transfer soon put pay to Les Dogues’ hopes of bringing the former Barcelona, Benfica and Valencia midfielder back to the Stade Pierre Mauroy.
Andre Gomes now stuck at Everton
“Andre is a boy with whom we have remained in contact,” president Olivier Letang tells Le11 Lillois. “We knew that the economic framework (of a deal) was very complex for us, because Andre – and good for him – has a rather substantial contract at Everton.
“The conditions have not been met to ensure that Andre continues the adventure with us.
“I think it will be very complicated. It is an economic framework which is difficult, and which is not possible for us.”
Now 29, Gomes has just one year left on his Everton contract. Time will tell whether Dyche could willing to hand a player signed in a £30 million deal from Barcelona a fresh start. He may warrant one, if his performances at Lille are anything to go by.
“Magnificent,” beams Lille coach Paulo Fonseca told Ouest France of Gomes.
“Andre Gomes is a player at another level. It’s very easy to see that he is very important to us. He’s a great player. He has a lot of experience, and has played for big clubs.”
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