Everton wanted Wendel in January (Getty Images)
According to Esporte News Mundo via Sport Witness (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton have approached Sporting CP midfielder Wendel.
The 22-year-old, who plays in a variety of roles in the midfield, has made 30 appearances for the Portuguese outfit this season. The young Brazilian has also scored twice and provided as many assists for his side this term. Wendel’s versatility in the middle has seen him grow quickly as one of the key players in the side since moving to Sporting.
So far, Wendel has made 67 appearances for them across all competitions and has five goals and seven assists to his name. A utility player for his side, Wendel’s flexibility has been of great help for Sporting, who have deployed him in a number of positions this term.
Out of his 19 league appearances this season, he has played 12 times as a central midfielder, four times in a deep role and three times in an attacking role. Having proved his mettle playing across different roles for Sporting at such a young age, Wendel has now caught the eye of Everton’s new boss Carlo Ancelotti.
The Toffees are currently sitting 12th in the league table and were at one point in the relegation zone earlier in the season.
Though Ancelotti’s arrival has brought some stability into the side, the Italian has to reinforce his squad this summer.
At the moment, they just have one attacking midfielder in Gylfi Sigurdsson. However, the Iceland international has been a shadow of his former self, managing just one goal and two assists despite making 26 league appearances.
Meanwhile, they just have two defensive midfielders in veteran Morgan Schneiderlin and summer signing Jean-Philippe Gbamin. The 30-year-old Schneiderlin has been in and out of form and clearly looks way past his prime. This has seen him feature in just 15 of Everton’s league games, speaking volumes about the side’s lack of an established face in the middle.
Gbamin, on the other hand, had spent most of his time on the sidelines due to injury and has played just twice in the Premier League until now. He is yet to prove himself at the Goodison Park.
Wendel’s arrival will offer Ancelotti a versatile face in their middle, who can play as per the team’s requirements. This would be a valuable asset for a side such as Everton, who are clearly struggling in the middle. Hence, they should continue their pursuit of the young midfielder and try to land him soon if they are to better their performances next season.
Everton’s poor displays this season give a clear picture of the side’s struggles in the midfield. Despite having as many as seven midfielders, none have impressed so far. This means the side could do with a new face like Wendel. Having proved his potential at Sporting already, Wendel can offer Ancelotti plenty of options in the midfield, making him a good utility signing if a move happens.
