Advanced talks over a move for Arsenal midfielder Christian Norgaard emerged while Everton were taking on Hamburg, and the timing was telling. Everton's midfield was overrun by the Bundesliga side, exposing a fragility that has long been a concern.
The £7m fee that negotiations have centred on would be a modest outlay, and completing the deal would be a positive step for David Moyes. It would also look like a shrewd piece of business.
Experience over potential
At 32, Norgaard is not the kind of emerging talent Everton have pursued in recent transfer windows, such as Amadou Onana in 2022. But there are occasions when proven quality outweighs potential. With young midfielders James Garner, Hayden Hackney and Merlin Rohl already at the club, and Tim Iroegbunam and Harrison Armstrong gaining valuable Premier League minutes, what Everton need is calmness and discipline.
The departure of Idrissa Gueye has created a void. Norgaard's campaign at Arsenal, where he made 20 appearances and lifted the Premier League title while reaching the Champions League final, would bring a wealth of knowledge. He also boasts 122 Premier League appearances from his time at Brentford.
A specialist anchor
Everton already have plenty of box-to-box options, including Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, but a dedicated defensive midfielder is missing. Norgaard would offer protection on the transition and do the unglamorous work that allows others to push forward. He is not a direct replacement for Gueye, but he brings a bigger threat in the opposition penalty area, particularly from set pieces, standing at over six feet tall.
His leadership is another key asset. Norgaard captained Brentford for two years before joining Arsenal, and with Gueye and Seamus Coleman having left, Everton need new figures to step up. He could also help guide the younger players around him.
A short-term fix with long-term benefits
Norgaard may not be the long-term answer to Everton's defensive midfield issue, but if he can oversee the development of others, add leadership and bring experience to a position of need, it is difficult to see a downside. The modest fee would also leave room to invest elsewhere, notably at right-back. Similar moves have had a profound effect, as Granit Xhaka demonstrated at Sunderland last season. Everton would be delighted if Norgaard made a comparable impact at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
