Everton pay more than half of André Gomes’ wages during Lille loan spell

As part of their annual study into player and management salaries across Ligue 1, L’Équipe notably look at the way in which Lille were able to bring in André Gomes at the very end of last year’s summer window on loan, with the Portuguese midfielder’s wages at Everton being financially out of reach.

Given the former Barcelona man was not in the Premier League side’s plans for this season, the Toffees agreed to send him out on loan. Although the exact details of this deal have not filtered through, L’Équipe explain that, according to sources around Lille, Everton agreed to take on the majority of his wages in order to facilitate a loan move across the Channel, while the player himself is said to have accepted a temporary salary decrease.

Gomes is the highest earner in the northerners’ squad this season, and is paid an estimated €190,000 per month. This is reportedly between a third and 40% of his overall earnings, the rest of which are paid by Everton, excluding potential bonuses. Other sources mentioned by L’Équipe indicate that the Ligue 1 side pay a higher proportion of his wage, and even that there is a loan fee involved – in any case, it appears unlikely that Gomes will still be with Lille come next season.

The 29-year-old has made 20 Ligue 1 appearances so far this season, chipping in with a goal and two assists. He has emerged as an assured and experienced figure in midfield, crucial to manager Paulo Fonseca’s set-up. Les Dogues currently sit just one point off Rennes in 5th place, which is likely to be the final European qualifying spot this season.

GFFN | Raphaël Jucobin