Lampard must ruthlessly axe “reckless” £22m Everton dud in move for “spectacular” gem – opinion

Everton have had one of their worst seasons in the Premier League era, narrowly avoiding relegation in what was a campaign filled with tension and poor performances under both Rafael Benitez and Frank Lampard.

There is no doubt that the latter must improve his squad over the summer, as a club the size of Everton shouldn’t be battling relegation, and a major restructure of the playing roster is surely imminent.

With the likelihood that there will be some incoming transfers, the manager will need to get rid of some deadwood, with Andre Gomes surely near the top of the list to go.

The Portuguese midfielder signed for Everton from Barcelona in 2019 for £22m and it hasn’t exactly represented the best value for money, playing 100 games for the Toffees and only scoring twice. Gomes was also dubbed “reckless” by David Prentice, and Lampard could see this summer as the ideal time to move him on, especially when there’s an ideal replacement already being linked with the club.

Spanish outlet AS recently reported that Everton are keen on signing 17-year-old Barcelona midfielder Gavi, who has been dubbed “spectacular” by his manager Xavi. To earn that praise from such an iconic footballer would make it a great move for the Toffees to sign the teenager not just for next season, but for what he could produce further into the future.

The youngster has made 33 La Liga appearances this season, chipping in with two goals and five assists. To make that kind of impact for a club like Barcelona at such a young age suggests that he has an extremely bright future, and Everton could make a massive statement by signing him this summer.

Gavi could be the fulcrum around whom Lampard can build his side; and with the 17-year-old’s talent and