Why Adama Soumaoro would be a brilliant fit at Everton

Lille skipper Adama Soumaoro was repeatedly linked with a move to Everton in the summer, however, nothing ever came to fruition.

A move to AS Monaco fell through before the transfer window slammed shut and now French publication L’Equipe are now claiming that the defender wants a January move to England. (h/t Liverpool Echo)

Everton have looked somewhat vulnerable at the back in the opening stages of the new Premier League campaign. They clearly are in need of defensive reinforcements, having failed to replace Kurt Zouma in the summer following the expiry of his loan deal from Chelsea.

Zouma, who was vital to the Toffees’ defence during his loan spell, was wanted by Marco Silva but Chelsea manager Frank Lampard rejected a sale due to the club’s transfer embargo.

Yerry Mina is a fantastic prospect and has started the season with Michael Keane at the back, but has suffered injuries throughout his short career and another injury would spell crisis for the Merseysiders.

With just three senior centre-backs at the club, Silva must add depth to his squad when the transfer window reopens in a few months’ time. And Adama Soumaoro could be a really good option to consider for Everton.

A product of the Lille academy, Soumaoro has been a regular at the back for the club since the 2015-16 season. He did have a start-stop 2018/19 campaign, yet managed 20 Ligue 1 appearances.

In terms of his attributes, the French-born defender of Malian descent has decent technical abilities and a good turn of pace. Standing at 6ft 2in, he is tall, strong and powerful as he never shies away from going toe-to-toe with physically dominant forwards.

Soumaoro can play out from the back as well, a quality which Silva expects from his defenders. Although he may not be able to thread accurate long passes, the 27-year-old more than makes for it with his solidity at the back.

He is also a threat from set-pieces, thanks to his towering frame that gives him a considerable advantage in aerial duels.

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Everton are short of quality cover at the back after the departure of Phil Jagielka and Kurt Zouma earlier in the summer and Soumaoro could be a really useful addition to the squad at an affordable price in January.

Verdict

With that in mind, the Toffees should reignite their interest in the Lille defender during the winter transfer window.