Everton: Should they sign talented but volatile Mario Lemina?

Everton have been linked with a move for Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina, but is his potential enough to offset his immaturity?

Everton are in the news once more, being linked yet again with another player. This particular player, however, is easily one of their most polarising possibilities yet.

As reported by Foot Mercato — a French media outlet devoted to football — Everton are apparently interested in Mario Lemina. Foot Mercato goes on to list West Ham United, Beyer Leverkusen and Sevilla as other potential suitors.

Lemina is only one year into a four-year deal with Juventus, but has struggled to get regular opportunities with the first team. Despite making 19 appearances for last season’s Serie A champions, only eight of them were starts.

Juventus have already turned down one offer for the 23-year old, from Galatasaray. The amount of the bid is unknown, but you imagine it will have been more than the £7 million + Juve paid Marseille last April.

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This is not the first time Lemina has received interest from English clubs. When he first went to Juventus on loan in August 2015, Liverpool, Southampton and West Ham were reportedly also chasing his signature.

While Everton’s interest in the talented midfielder is understandable, you have to wonder if he is the type of player who would fit in with Ronald Koeman’s no-nonsense approach to managing?

That’s because Lemina has earned a reputation for having a temper, after several clashes on the pitch. One of the more high-profile incidents involved him punching Ola Toivonen in a certain sensitive area where no man likes to get hit.

This is also concern about the Gabonese international’s ability to concentrate and produce consistently. Along with his temper, this speaks volumes about his immaturity.

However, Lemina is still young, with plenty of time to fulfill his potential. He’s a versatile and physical presence, whose excellent stamina allows him to operate as a box-to-box player.

One last factor to consider is what the former Lorient youth academy player himself wants to do. Is he happy to remain at Juventus and fight for more playing time, or go elsewhere for the opportunity to start more regularly?

Overall, signing Lemina would certainly represent a gamble for Everton – but don’t most signing to some degree? However, Koeman could be just what he needs, to grow up and attain more discipline in his game.

Next: Everton set sights on Jairo Riedewald

What’s your position on Lemina? Would you like to see Everton sign him or not? Does his immature reputation concern you at all? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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