Everton Eye Bigger Talent Than Scott McTominay in Potential Move for £13m Star
Everton Eye Bigger Talent Than Scott McTominay in Potential Move for £13m Star
Everton Football Club is reportedly considering a move for a player regarded as a bigger talent than Manchester United’s Scott McTominay. With the summer transfer window nearing its end, the Toffees are said to be targeting Strasbourg midfielder Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, a player who has been valued at around £13 million. The potential acquisition could be a significant boost for Everton as they look to strengthen their squad for the new Premier League season.
Everton, under the management of Sean Dyche, has been active in the transfer market, seeking to reinforce key areas of the squad. The club has already made several signings, but Dyche remains keen to add more quality to his midfield options.
Scott McTominay, the 27-year-old Scotland international who has been a consistent performer for Manchester United, was initially linked with a move to Goodison Park. However, recent reports suggest that Everton’s focus has shifted towards Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, a highly-regarded midfielder from Strasbourg who is believed to possess a higher ceiling than McTominay.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, a 25-year-old French midfielder, has been one of the standout performers in Ligue 1 over the past few seasons. Known for his versatility, Bellegarde can operate in various midfield roles, including as a box-to-box midfielder or in a more defensive position. His ability to carry the ball forward, coupled with his tenacity in winning back possession, has drawn comparisons to some of Europe’s top midfielders.
Bellegarde joined Strasbourg from RC Lens in 2019 and has since become a key player for the club. In the 2023-24 season, he played a pivotal role in helping Strasbourg secure a mid-table finish, contributing with goals and assists while also excelling in his defensive duties. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with several clubs across Europe expressing interest in securing his services.
Sean Dyche, who took charge of Everton in January 2023, has identified the need for more dynamism in his midfield. While Scott McTominay was seen as a potential target, the club’s recruitment team believes that Bellegarde offers a more exciting and long-term option. With his age and potential for growth, Bellegarde is viewed as a player who could significantly enhance Everton’s midfield and provide the creativity and energy that the team has sometimes lacked.
Everton’s pursuit of Bellegarde comes at a time when the club is looking to rebuild and establish itself as a consistent presence in the upper echelons of the Premier League. The potential signing of Bellegarde would align with Dyche’s vision of building a squad capable of competing for European places and challenging the top clubs in the league.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is reportedly valued at around £13 million, a figure that is well within Everton’s budget for the transfer window. The club’s recent sales and the departure of several high-earning players have freed up funds for new signings, and Bellegarde’s relatively modest price tag makes him an attractive option.
In comparison, Scott McTominay’s transfer fee was expected to be significantly higher, with Manchester United likely to demand upwards of £30 million for the Scotland international. By opting for Bellegarde, Everton could potentially secure a player of equal, if not greater, quality while also maintaining financial prudence.
If Everton successfully land Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, he could prove to be a transformative signing for the club. His ability to break up play, drive forward with the ball, and contribute in attack would add a new dimension to Everton’s midfield. Bellegarde’s work rate and tactical intelligence would also complement the more experienced players in the squad, such as Idrissa Gueye and James Tarkowski.
Moreover, Bellegarde’s arrival could provide Everton with the depth needed to compete on multiple fronts, including domestic cup competitions. His versatility would allow Sean Dyche to experiment with different formations and tactics, providing the team with greater flexibility and unpredictability.
While Scott McTominay has proven himself as a reliable and hardworking midfielder for Manchester United, questions have been raised about his ability to elevate Everton’s midfield to the next level. McTominay’s strengths lie in his physicality and defensive contributions, but some critics argue that his limited creativity and passing range could hinder Everton’s attacking play.
Jean-Ricner Bellegarde, on the other hand, offers a more well-rounded skill set. His ability to operate in tight spaces, pick out key passes, and contribute to the team’s attacking transitions makes him a more attractive option for a team like Everton that is looking to play a more dynamic and expansive style of football.
As the transfer window draws to a close, Everton’s pursuit of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde is likely to intensify. The club’s hierarchy is reportedly keen to finalize the deal as soon as possible to allow the player to settle in and integrate with the squad ahead of the new season.
Should the move materialize, Everton fans will be eager to see how Bellegarde adapts to the Premier League and whether he can live up to the expectations that have been placed upon him. With the potential to become a key player for the Toffees, Bellegarde’s arrival could signal the start of a new and exciting chapter for the club.
Everton’s potential acquisition of Jean-Ricner Bellegarde represents a calculated gamble on a player with significant potential. While Scott McTominay’s qualities are well-known, Bellegarde offers the prospect of greater upside and could prove to be a more influential figure in Everton’s midfield for years to come.
