Three Defenders Who Everton Can Target This Summer
The transfer season is off with a bang, but the English teams seem to have more smoke that fire, with lots of rumours flying around but not many moves. Though, Merseyside has been pretty active with both the clubs already confirming signings, with Everton having completed some of the biggest moves yet. Splurging huge money already on English keeper Jordan Pickford, Belgian league top score Henry Onyekuru and Ajax captain Davy Klaassen, the Toffees have been linked to a lot of other players as well.
“It’s nice to get some business done, obviously we know we are going to be in Europe so we need a slightly bigger squad,” club captain Phil Jagielka said earlier. “Everyone’s got that little bit more money to spend, everyone can get their squad a little bit stronger.”
With European qualification comes a need for squad depth, especially with Thursday night football. Ronald Koeman has done well on the attacking side of it, but with an ageing defence in Jagielka, Williams, Baines, and Funes Mori not impressing yet, Everton will also need to reinforce their defedefenceget desirable results from the long season ahead of them. Here are a few defensive targets that could not only make an immediate difference, but also solidify the club in the long term.
Michael Keane
A graduate of the Manchester United Academy, Keane was sold to Burnley two seasons ago after a string of loan spells. The 24-year-old has done extremely well to establish himself as a solid centre-back, helping The Clarets gain promotion back to the Premier League in 2016. A no nonsense central defender.
He is quite big in stature, with proper strength and an astute ability to win aerial duels. On the ball, Keane is decent, and has a calm demeanor with decent passes to the midfielders moving forward. Keane is capable of growing into one of England’s best centre backs, having already received an international call-up, and can really provide a defensive edge to Everton’s back line.
Chris Smalling
Occasional holder of the Red Devils’ captain’s armband, who has now been deemed surplus to requirements after the signing of Victor Lindelof from Benfica. The 27-year-old has two years remaining on his contract and earns nearly £80,000 per week. A report also claims that Everton, Newcastle United, and West Ham United are the top three teams vying for Smalling’s signature. But Newcastle and West Ham both seem less likely to add Smalling’s salary to their wage bill. Also Everton’s presence in Europe this season would bolster their chances in pursuit of the Englishman’s signature.
Jeison Murillo
Murillo has impressed during his two years in Serie A with Inter, and the 25-cap Colombia international was named in the team of the tournament at the 2015 Copa America, as well as receiving the best young player award. However, Monaco, Valencia, Stoke City, Crystal Palace and Newcastle are also said to be tracking the Colombian, who is among the players Inter are willing to sell to help offset their Financial Fair Play restrictions.
With a price tag of around £10.5million for the 25-year-old Murillo has superb ability in the air, with blistering pace and a knack to be able to play the ball out of defence very well.
Ronald Koeman and Everton have been incredible this window and we wouldn’t be surprised to find an entirely new look Everton squad come August.
Comments are closed.