Everton interested in raiding Ancelotti’s former club for midfield star – A good move?

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Why Everton should press ahead with their interest in Franck Kessie

According to Tuttosport (h/t Daily Mail) AC Milan star Franck Kessie is considering a move away from Italy with Everton are reportedly interested in signing the midfielder.

Kessie moved to Italy from homeland Ivory Coast in 2015, joining Atalanta. The midfielder had a loan spell away at Cesena in 2015/16 and impressed for his parent club in the following season. He then joined Milan in 2017 on a two-year loan deal, which was made permanent last summer.

So far the 23-year-old has put up a mixed show at San Siro. He has made 123 appearances for the Rossoneri, scoring 13 goals and assisting nine more.

Franck Kessie in action for AC Milan. (Getty Images)
Franck Kessie in action for AC Milan. (Getty Images)

Do Everton need Franck Kessie?

Everton haven’t had the best of the 2019/20 campaigns. Things seem to have improved a touch under former AC Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti. However, there is a lot of work to be done for the club to push for a top six finish in the coming seasons. To that end, recruitment in the summer will be very important.

Everton have the sixth-worst defensive record in the Premier League this season. While reinforcing their backline is very much important, they also do need more firepower in midfield, especially defensively.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who arrived last summer, has spent the entire season on the treatment tables. Fabian Delph, too, has struggled with injuries and looks past his best, whereas Morgan Schneiderlin has left the club to return to France.

Morgan Schneiderlin has left Everton
Morgan Schneiderlin has left Everton

Hence, signing Kessie, in that regard, would be a good move by the Toffees. Everton lack a physical presence in the midfield and the Ivorian would provide that for the club. At AC Milan, Kessie has played a very important role in midfield undertaking both offensive and defensive duties.

Since joining the club, the Ivory Coast international has been one of the few regulars. He has grown in stature and importance with every passing season.

With over 100 appearances for a big club like AC Milan, despite the club’s decline, he has accumulated plenty of experience already. And at 23, Kessie is very young and does have a lot of football in him. He can certainly shine if provided with the right opportunities.

AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie barks orders to his teammates. (Getty Images)
AC Milan midfielder Franck Kessie barks orders to his teammates. (Getty Images)

The Ivorian would definitely add depth and quality to the Everton midfield unit. And under the guidance of an accomplished coach like Ancelott, he can take his game to the next level.

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Verdict

It is very clear that Everton need to make recruitment to improve their midfield. And the 23-year-old Kessie would be a good option for the Toffees. The player is still very young and there is certainly room for improvement in the midfielder’s performances. And under the experienced hands of Ancelotti, the Ivorian can flourish.