Home » Teams » Everton » Everton signing this up and coming 19-year-old Ligue 1 starlet would be a game-changer

Everton signing this up and coming 19-year-old Ligue 1 starlet would be a game-changer

Why Wesley Fofana would be an excellent signing for Everton

According to Daily Star, Everton have joined the race to sign Saint-Etienne defender Wesley Fofana, who is wanted by a host of clubs.

Fofana, 19, made his Ligue 1 debut in a 3-0 win over OGC Nice last season after making it through the club’s youth ranks. He has made 12 appearances across all competitions so far this term, scoring two goals.

The centre-back’s contract at St. Etienne runs until 2022 and his club want to offer an extension to ward off interest, according to the report. He has also caught the attention of AC Milan and RB Leipzig, and is on the radars of Monaco and Stuttgart.

Wesley Fofana (Getty Images)
Wesley Fofana (Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the Toffees are slowly progressing up the league table after a disappointing start to the season under Marco Silva. They are now five points clear of the relegation zone and are finding their form at the right time, with Carlo Ancelotti at the helm.

But there is one issue which can force them away from competing for a higher place finish and that is their defensive situation. Manager Ancelotti should reinforce his defence before the end of this month. Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate have been brilliant in recent weeks.

In spite of their partnership getting stronger at the right time, nothing can be said of their consistency and the manager needs both of them to continue in top form.

However, the Toffees are lacking depth in that area, with Michael Keane struggling to get back to his best. He was left out of the starting line-up in the last couple of games and Ancelotti must improve his options at the back so that he would not have to worry about the squad depth.

In that case, Wesley Fofana would be an ideal reinforcement to the squad and he would be a better option as Everton’s transfer budget has taken a whack after their record loss in the last outing against bitter rivals Liverpool.

Wesley Fofana (Image credit: Google)
Wesley Fofana (Image credit: Google)

Fofana is one of Ligue 1’s rising stars and he has shown promises of turning out to be a good defender with his brilliant performance this season. He has been solid in St. Etienne’s backline during the first half of the campaign. The 19-year-old is fearless, technically gifted and is capable of playing the ball from the back.

The Frenchman’s ability to stop attacks at ease must be a good sign for Everton, who have failed to ward off their opponents at times. He can play on either side of the central defence and this could add another dimension to the Toffees’ backline.

In the video below, one can see Fofana’s defensive qualities this season and the qualities he could bring to Goodison Park if they manage to strike a deal.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VbvfJY48_ZE

Read more

Verdict

Though he is young, Fofana has all the abilities of a modern-day defender and he can be an ever-present in Everton’s defence. It may take time for himself to settle in English conditions but his qualities can never be doubted.

Therefore, Ancelotti must make an approach for the youngster as soon as possible.