Everton could land French defender Malang Sarr on a free transfer

Everton can make a move for free agent Malang Sarr.

Centre back Malang Sarr announced his departure from OGC Nice after spending 14 years at the club. Sarr was discussed as a possible target for Everton, as per Le10 Sport. Apart from the Toffees, Newcastle United was another Premier League team associated with Sarr.

The Senegalese-French joined Nice youth academy OGC Nizza in 2006 and since then has rose through various levels and ranks to establish a foothold in the first team. He was promoted to the senior team in the 2016-17 season and since then he has been a regular presence in the OGC Nice backline.

Everton have recently been linked with Kurt Zouma, John Stones and Jean-Clair Todibo but none of these deals rumours have shaped to be a concrete possibility. When every club is cash strapped at various levels due the consequences of the Corona Virus pandemic, a free transfer could be a blessing for Everton.

The economics of a deal for Zouma, Todibo or Stones will put a dent on Everton’s pockets but a free transfer for Malang Sarr won’t hurt the finance books. On his final day in Nice, the 21 year old stated that he is now looking for a fresh challenge and how much he loves the French club.

"I will remain an OGC Nice player for life, that’s how it is. I started here, I experienced everything here, it’s the club of my city, it’s the club of my heart. It will stay with me forever. It’s a chapter that is closing. I have another to open. I can’t wait to see what is in store for me."

Malang Sarr did admit he’s keen on a new challenge and the Premier League could exactly be that. So should Everton seriously consider him as an option or just sign him because he is available on a free transfer?

Premier League fans who have not been avid followers of Ligue 1 can take notice of Issa Diop of West Ham United. Parallel lines can be drawn from the development of Malang Sarr and Issa Diop. The 21 year old was thrown into the mix of top tier French football since the age of 18 and coped brilliantly to the pressures of Ligue 1 football.

The French-Senegalese is an excellent presser and often races ahead to create pressure on the opponent. He is left footed and due to Nice’s 3 man defence, he is trained to cover the left space that is vacated by the forward bombing of the left wing back. We are aware of the exploits of Lucas Digne when going forward, so a centre back like Sarr will do a whole lot of good in closing down the gaps.

However, there’s a drawback. Often his speed and ability to negotiate long balls has been questioned. He is not a particularly quick centre back which could be a sign of worry, especially in the Premier League.

There are some pros while some cons when it comes to signing the 21 year old. While Yerry Mina’s future also remains uncertain, it shouldn’t be ruled out that the Merseysiders may have to sign two centre backs. In such a case, Malang Sarr can be a pretty competent option as he’ll arrive on a free transfer.

Should Everton sign Malang Sarr?