By Daniel Lewis
Real Betis are showing an interest in Jean-Phillipe Gbamin following his Everton exit last week, according to Estadio Deportivo.
The 27-year-old is now a free agent after Everton announced last Friday [1 September] that his contract had been terminated with immediate effect.
That decision was taken in order to get Gbamin off their books, with the midfielder now able to find a new club outside of the transfer window.
Fabrizio Romano reported on Sunday [3 September] that Gbamin had received offers and was weighing them up.
Now, Spanish outlet Estadio Deportivo reports that the Ivory Coast international is being considered by Betis due to doubts over the future of Guido Rodriguez, who is wanted by Lyon and Nottingham Forest.
The report adds that the LaLiga side like the fact Gbamin – when available – can play in positions other than holding midfield, such as centre-back.
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Hope?
Betis may like the sound of signing Gbamin on the face of it – and who can blame them?
After all, this is a player who cost £25million just four years ago and is now available for nothing, his wages aside.
However, for all the talk of Betis liking his versatility, you first have to get Gbamin out of the treatment room and onto the field!
As harsh as that sounds, he was restricted to just six Premier League appearances for Everton, not helped by a number of setbacks.
Gbamin made 11 league appearances on loan with CSKA Moscow in 2021-22 and 19 with Trabzonspor the following year, so there is possibly hope he can play some part should he join Betis.
It really does say it all, however, that Everton would rather cut their losses and offload for free than keep Gbamin as a squad player.
All that is left now is for the midfielder to join Betis, put his injury concerns to one side and star in LaLiga.
That really would make this the perfect transfer arc to sum up life as an Everton fan.
In other Everton news, Andros Townsend has given his view on the Toffees’ latest transfer activity.