The tale of Jean Philippe Gbamin at Everton is a sad one, to say the least. But fortunately, it appears it’s all behind him now.
That’s if [the latest from L’Equipe is anything to go by.](https://www.lequipe.fr/Football/Actualites/Jean-philippe-gbamin-brille-enfin-en-ligue-1-et-metz-a-l-espoir-de-le-prolonger/1612728) They cover the midfielder today as he ‘finally shines’ in Ligue 1 at Metz.
He’s enjoying a late career surge with the French side, who have moved him to centre-back. That’s despite playing most of his career as a central or defensive midfielder.
He joined Metz on a one-year deal in July and hasn’t looked back since. In fact, they’re so impressed, they’ve already started talks about a contract renewal. The club and his entourage have insisted there’s been no progress, but the former are certainly keen.
Gbamin has started all thirteen matches to date, a ‘reassuring run’ in a career hampered by injuries. The worst of those were at Everton, where he barely featured after a big money move from Mainz.
He long resisted playing centre-back but is now proving crucial there for Metz, reviving their hopes of avoiding relegation. He’s flourishing alongside Terry Yegbe in the role.
The move is proving to be a late career revival after his earlier struggles. Gbamin has quickly found his feet, establishing himself as a key player in an inexperienced squad.
_“He’s a leader by example, a great guy who doesn’t talk much but speaks well,”_ says Romain Decool, sporting coordinator for Dunkerque. They previously helped him get back on track in Ligue 2.
_“He’s invaluable for mentoring younger players and deserves to return to the Elephants (Cote d’Ivoire).”_
Gbamin could play for them in the Africa Cup of Nations, before a potential World Cup next summer. That would be a major moment for the player, who appears to have put his Everton misery firmly behind him.