Agents tend to do a lot of talking during the transfer window, to their players, clubs and the media as well.
Bernard Collignon is one such agent and represents several footballers, chief among them Jean-Philippe Gbamin.
The midfielder is currently at the Africa Cup of Nations with Cote d’Ivoire after another strong season with Mainz in the Bundesliga.
The 23-year-old is among the German club’s best players and has attracted interest from several clubs in recent years.
His agent has certainly been fielding a lot of interest, particularly in the Premier League, and has detailed as much in an interview with Fussball Transfers.
“In January 2018 Klopp called Mainz and wanted to commit him as a centre-back, who also helps out in midfield. But Mainz did not want to let him go in the middle of the relegation battle. In the summer, Liverpool signed Fabinho instead,” says Collignon.
“I had meetings with Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Everton and many other clubs. He is in the shortlists. However, he is not a top candidate because his exact position is unclear.“
Collignon doesn’t mention if these talks were all last year, like the meeting with Liverpool, or have occurred since then.
Either way, it’s hard to see either Everton or Liverpool being keen. Liverpool are good in midfield after signing Fabinho, while Everton have Idrissa Gana Gueye in defensive midfield.
Perhaps if the latter finally gets his move to Paris Saint Germain, the Toffees may come looking again. If not, then Collignon may have to shop his client around elsewhere.
