Everton may have recruited well in the summer, but it was made abundantly clear on Saturday that they are still so far from where they want to be.
After all, with the bulk of those new signings omitted from the starting lineup, those called upon to step up simply did not impress at all despite a strong start to the match.
A lack of options at right-back, relying on Michael Keane to start at centre-back, and a disappointing absence of speed on the flanks, all combined to leave them lacking enough quality to truly trouble Brighton and Hove Albion.
And yet, despite Tim Iroegbunam impressing Sean Dyche, midfield was another area of worry too, with Idrissa Gana Gueye’s huge error on 56 minutes gifting the second goal and effectively ending their hopes of a comeback.
So, having watched that unfold, Kevin Thelwell seems to have been wandered back into the market to try and find a solution.
Everton are in talks for Bundesliga midfielder
That’s at least what French outlet RMC Sport are claiming, who detail Everton’s interest in Bundesliga star Éric Junior Dina Ebimbe.
Having stood out for Frankfurt last season, the Frenchman enjoyed a stellar debut year in Germany, having joined permanently in 2023 after initially impressing on loan.
Standing at 6 foot but boasting immense technical quality, the 23-year-old would represent a fine addition to Sean Dyche‘s midfield should they get this deal over the line.
It’s noted that Everton have ‘already approached’ Frankfurt to ‘define the details’ of a deal, but there has been no contact between club and player.
However, and perhaps most importantly, the selling side are open to sanctioning this exit should the Toffees convince Ebimbe to leave.
Who is Everton target Eric Junior Dina Ebimbe?
Having joined the Paris Saint-Germain youth setup as a 12-year-old, this promising star achieved his dream of appearing for the first team but fell foul of their free-spending nature.
The French champions have allowed an untold number of youth prospects to leave for next to nothing, as they did with Ebimbe, only for them to go on and shine elsewhere.
What’s perhaps most frustrating for the Parisian club is the comparisons that are now being made between their former player and Jude Bellingham, widely recognised as one of the best players in the world.
In fact, the official Bundesliga website wrote just last year: ‘Although a naturally right-sided midfielder, Dina Ebimbe told media upon his Frankfurt unveiling that No.8 is his preferred role. He is also comfortable cutting in off the oppositive flank, with a rangy gait and ability to drive through opposition ranks reminiscent of former Borussia Dortmund and England star Jude Bellingham in attack mode.
Last season he scored five and assisted three from the engine room, spurring Peguy Luyindula, the sporting coordinator of one of his loan clubs to claim: ‘He’s powerful, versatile and knows what he wants.’
Hopefully, that latest desire involves a move to Everton to solve their midfield crisis.
