Should Everton sign Jan Vertonghen over Thiago Silva?

Everton must sign Jan Vertonghen over Thiago Silva.

Everton have been linked to a number of defenders in this off-season which in many ways acted as a period of pre-transfer window. The teams have been reacting pro-actively and trying to get transfer business over the line.

Everton have problems at the back as they lack a proper fourth centre back. Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate are the only senior centre backs in the team. To make matters worse, Yerry Mina has been sidelined for weeks with a tear in the thigh muscle. This leaves Keane and Holgate as the only fit centre backs in the team. Carlo Ancelotti is aware of the lack of options he has in this position and is desperate to improve the current status. In terms of form, only Holgate has enjoyed a green patch, Keane and Mina both have been underwhelming this season.

Everton want to sign a reliable centre back and have been linked to Diego Godin, Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma. Thiago Silva is said to be the closest target among the mentioned. Reports also mentioned that Ancelotti personally called the Brazilian to persuade him to join Everton once his contract with PSG runs down at the end of this season.

However, Ancelotti and the club board might be missing a major target that could be acquired without much difficulty. Jan Vertonghen will be a free agent at the end of the season and Everton must make a move to sign the Belgium international. The 33 year old has made it clear that he won’t be extending his stay in North London hence Tottenham Hotspur aren’t aggressive in tying him down to a new deal.

It’s time to settle the debate: Silva or Vertonghen

Defensively, the 33 year old still has a lot to offer. Getting Thiago Silva may help Ancelotti reunite with his former player but signing Vertonghen is a smarter move. Jan Vertonghen has spent eight seasons in the Premier League so far and is well versed with the competitiveness and pace of the league whereas Thiago Silva has no prior experience of playing football in England. There have been offers from Inter Milan and Roma but the 6 feet 2 inch defender would prefer to stay in the Premier League than go elsewhere at this stage of the career.

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At 35, Thiago Silva doesn’t offer much surety of playing at Goodison for more than one season. Vertonghen is 33 and can continue to be a part of the team for at least two seasons. The next point that can swing the decision in the Belgian’s favour is the weekly wages.

Silva currently earns £250,000 a week at Parc des Princes whereas Vertonghen pockets a relatively modest sum of £100,000 a week. There is a high possibility that Silva may not accept a huge wage cut at Everton but Vertonghen is likely to accept a monetary package that is similar to what he currently earns at the New Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

Considering the above aspects, it can be said that Jan Vertonghen is the easier operation when compared to Thiago Silva and Everton must take the necessary steps needed to sign the 33 year old.

What do you think Everton fans, who will be at Goodison next season? Thiago Silva or Jan Vertonghen?