Ibrahim Sangare has impressed with Toulouse in the 2019/20 campaign (Getty Images)
According to a report from SportMania (h/t The Liverpool Echo), Everton are interested in signing Toulouse midfielder Ibrahima Sangare.
After starting his youth career with Ivorian clubs Tout Puissant Koumassi and AS Duenguele, Ibrahima Sangare, 22, joined Toulouse in 2016. He has made 52 appearances for Toulouse since making his debut back in 2016, scoring two goals.
The Ivorian has been a regular fixture for Toulouse this term, making 25 appearances across all competitions. He has been one of the rare shining lights for the Ligue 1 outfit in an otherwise disappointing campaign.
Meanwhile, Everton have improved significantly under the tutelage of Carlo Ancelotti. They may have lost 3-2 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday but Ancelotti should’ve taken a lot of positives out of that game. The Italian tactician has a pool of exciting players at his disposal and with a few additions over the summer, the Toffees would be a formidable unit next season.
One area Everton must definitely strengthen in the summer is the midfield, as they have been extremely unfortunate with injuries to Andre Gomes and Jean-Philippe Gbamin. Gbamin has spent almost the majority of his debut season at the Goodison Park on the sidelines due to a muscle injury. Gomes, however, made his highly anticipated return against Arsenal last weekend.
But with Morgan Schneiderlin and Fabian Delph being in and out of the team, Tom Davies’ form fading of late and Gylfi Sigurdsson failing to live up to his usual standards this season, the Merseysiders would be wise to sign Ibrahima Sangare.
A defensive midfielder by trade, Sangare can also operate as a centre-back when required. He has decent Ligue 1 experience under his belt plus international recognition, having won five caps already for Ivory Coast at only 22 years of age. At such a young age, he is also Toulouse’s skipper which speaks volumes about Sangare’s mentality and leadership skills.
Hence, it’s no wonder that Everton have Sangare in their sights as they clearly need more quality in the midfield to compete for titles under Ancelotti next season. Plus, the Ivorian is the type of player who could fill the big hole left by Idrissa Gueye before the start of this season.
The five-cap Ivory Coast international would undoubtedly bolster Everton’s midfield whilst bringing in a healthy competition for places within Ancelotti’s squad. At 22, Sangare is a player with immense potential and there are chances of him establishing himself at a higher level under the guidance of Ancelotti. Thus, Everton must attempt to sign the Toulouse starlet in the summer.
