Jean-Philippe Gbamin – Fantasy Football Potential

Everton have announced the signing of Jean-Philippe Gbamin from Mainz on a five year deal for a reported fee of £25 million. Gbamin has been brought in as a replacement for Idrissa Gueye who joined PSG earlier on in the transfer window.

Gbamin is Everton’s fourth signing this summer, after Jonas Lossl, Andre Gomes and Fabian Delph joined the Toffees. Here’s what Gbamin has had to say about his move to Everton:

“I’m excited because Everton is a great club here in England with a big history and ambition so I didn’t think for more than a moment – I wanted to come here. I like to go in the duels. I like to run a lot and tackle. I also pass good and have a good transition. All the rest, the fans will see. I will give everything on the pitch.”

Player History

In 2007, at the age of 12 Gbamin joined Lens, breaking into the first team in 2013, making his debut in a defeat against Guingamp. He went on to play 91 times for Lens in the league, scoring 3 and assisting 2 other goals.

In July 2016, the midfielder signed for German side Mainz on a five year deal, for a fee of £4.5 million. Across the 3 seasons he played for Mainz he featured in the Bundesliga 86 times, scoring 3 goals and assisting on 4 occasions.

Internationally Gbamin played for the French under 18’s through to their under-21’s side. However due to his eligibility to play for the Ivory Coast he committed committed his future to them, making his senior debut in June 2017.

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played for the French under 18’s through to their under-21’s side. However due to his eligibility to play for the Ivory Coast he committed committed his future to them, making his senior debut in June 2017.

Fantasy Football Potential

The 23 year old predominately plays in midfield, but can also play at centre back, and should help sure up the defence after the departure of Gueye. Gbamin is yet to be added into Fantasy Premier League, but he will most likely have a similar price of Gueye at £5.0m.

Gbamin may not be an attractive fantasy football asset, but what he should do is increase the defensive capability of the Toffees making the likes of Digne and Coleman more attractive options. In an average 90 minutes last season, Gbamin managed 5.4 interceptions, 9 ball recoveries, 3.8 duels won and an 83% pass accuracy rate. Gbamin clearly has the potential to increase Everton’s clean sheet potential, but if classified as a midfielder, which is expected, then he wouldn’t be one to bring into your teams due to his FPL points potential.

Everton do have a favourable start to the Premier League this season, with a first 6 of; Crystal Palace (A), Watford (H), Aston Villa (A), Wolves (H), Bournemouth (A) and Sheffield United (H). The signing of Gbamin may just make an Everton defender a must have with those opening fixtures.

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