Everton: Barcelona’s Samuel Umtiti a worse risk than Yerry Mina

Everton has been linked to Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti.

Everton has needed another centre-back since the beginning of this extended season. LOSC Lille’s Gabriel Magalhaes and PSG’s Thiago Silva have long been linked with the Toffees.

According to the Liverpool Echo, Manchester United have joined the chase for Magalhaes and A.C. Milan have joined the chase for another Toffees target in Barcelona’s Jean-Clair Todibo.

So the attention has shifted to another Barcelona defender in Samuel Umtiti and considering the good relationship between Everton and the Catalan giants, it’s not surprising. Former Barcelona old boys Andre Gomes, Lucas Digne and Yerry Mina currently ply their trade at Goodison Park.

The Daily Star reports that West Ham is also interested in the often-injured Umtiti, who is currently rehabilitating from a knee injury which needs regular treatment. Barcelona knows this probably makes a transfer fee out of the question but are willing to discuss a loan deal for Umtiti.

There’s no doubt Samuel Umtiti is a fine central defender, when he is healthy. But that’s a big if.

A very big if!

So far this season, Samuel Umtiti has missed a total of 101 days due to a variety of knocks, niggles, pulls and strains. He’s had knee, calf, foot and ankle issues. It almost sounds like a verse in the old children’s song, except in the Frenchman’s case nothing seems to stay connected to anything else.

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To paraphrase another song by Amy Winehouse,

"Everton don’t want Umtiti, he’s always in rehab. No, no no."

In Yerry Mina, the Toffees already have a former Barcelona centre-back who is prone to knocks and niggles. Mina is out injured and has managed 29 appearances, even with the extended season and additional time to recuperate and rehab. It doesn’t matter how good a player is, if injuries keep him off the pitch, he’s not worth it.

Given his history, Umtiti isn’t even worth a loan. So Carlo Ancelotti, Marcel Brands and the Everton medical staff should all say no to the move. The emergence of Mason Holgate at centre-back has boosted the Everton cause. Ancelotti repeatedly raved about the quality and stability Mason Holgate provides to the backline and the entire team.

"I did not know Mason before I came here and I was surprised by him.He showed  a lot of quality defensively, he is really focused in his defensive work.He has the quality to be at the top as a defender."

After Holgate also suffered a season ending injury, leaving Everton with Michael Keane as the only senior centre-back. Jarrad Branthwaite, who is 18, stepped up from the under-23 and has performed well. Also waiting in the wings is Lewis Gibson, who enjoyed a solid spell on loan at Fleetwood Town as he helped guide Joey Barton’s squad to League One playoffs.

So, no to Samuel Umtiti, but Silva, who is a free agent, would provide veteran leadership and be able to mentor the younger central defenders at Finch Farm.