Alious
Everton’s midfield problems are quickly piling up, and January reinforcements are starting to feel less like a luxury and more like a necessity. Injuries, suspensions and international duty have all combined to leave David Moyes dangerously short of options in the engine room.
The situation worsened further with Idrissa Gana Gueye heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations, ruling him out for around a month. While his absence was anticipated, Everton have been hit hard by a wave of setbacks elsewhere that simply couldn’t be planned for.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s early injury against Chelsea at the weekend added to the growing list, and with James Garner now just one yellow card away from suspension, Moyes could soon be staring at a full-blown midfield crisis.
Against that backdrop, Everton have been linked with a player who could transform their midfield almost instantly — and one who has received astonishing praise from a Manchester United legend.
Scholes’ stunning verdict on Everton target Kobbie Mainoo
Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo remains surrounded by uncertainty as the transfer window approaches, with his long-term future at Old Trafford far from settled. Opinions around the league may be split, but Paul Scholes is firmly in the admirer’s camp.
Speaking to The Guardian, the former United and England midfielder delivered glowing praise, likening Mainoo’s style to one of football’s greatest icons.
Scholes described the teenager as the closest player he has seen to Zinedine Zidane in the way he receives the ball, glides past opponents and controls the tempo with effortless calm. He even admitted that Mainoo’s composure arrived far earlier than his own, calling the youngster’s game “poetry in motion”.
Despite suggestions that United are unwilling to let him leave in January, pressure is reportedly building from within Mainoo’s camp. That tension spilled into public view on Monday night when his brother appeared at United’s match against Bournemouth wearing a shirt emblazoned with the message: “Free Kobbie Mainoo.”
It’s a delicate and increasingly awkward situation that risks becoming a distraction for all involved.
### Everton weigh their options amid January uncertainty
There’s no doubt Mainoo would bring something special to Everton if a deal could somehow be struck. His technical quality and calmness in possession are exactly what the Blues are lacking as injuries mount.
However, with negotiations at Old Trafford threatening to turn messy, Everton may prefer a quieter solution. One alternative is recalling Harrison Armstrong from his loan spell at Preston North End.
Earlier in the season, the club were keen for Armstrong to remain out on loan for the full campaign, but circumstances have changed dramatically. Moyes has already admitted that a recall could be considered if his midfield resources are stretched any further.
With the January window approaching fast, Everton face a fascinating decision: gamble on a high-profile move for a generational talent, or turn inward for a safer, drama-free solution. Either way, a pivotal month lies ahead on Merseyside.
Alious
