Everton: Major twist in veteran defender Branislav Ivanovic transfer
Everton are in the final stages of signing Branislav Ivanovic.
With the club finances taking a hit due to Corona Virus, every team is working on cost efficient transfers. Swap deals and Free transfers could be the new norm for this transfer window. Everton want to improve a number of positions and spending hundreds of millions may not be possible. Hence, Marcel Brands has targeted free agent Branislav Ivanovic and reports suggest that Everton are in advanced stages of finalizing the transfer.
The 36 year old is said to be keen on a Premier League return and is open to reuniting with Carlo Ancelotti at Everton. The duo worked together at Chelsea where Branislav made 89 Chelsea appearances under the Italian boss. The veteran right-back is said to have a tank of experience and expertise and can truly help the Toffees in not only improving squad depth but also be a source of knowledge to the younger players.
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According to Serbian media outlet Novosti, Everton have already established contact with free agent Branislav Ivanovic and the Merseysiders are close to finalizing the deal.
Initially, the Mail reported that the Toffees aren’t interested in Ivanovic at all as Ancelotti prefers more young and dynamic options to shore up the defence. However, the latest report by Novosti suggests otherwise.
The Serbian is a free agent after leaving Zenit St. Petersburg after spending three and a half years with the Russians amassing 125 appearances for the club and winning the Russian League twice. The 36 year old wants to return to the Premier League before calling it time on his illustrious career.
Branislav Ivanovic can play as a centre back as well as a right back, offering plenty of options to Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian used him more as a centre back during his time at Chelsea and the same is expected at Goodison Park.
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At 36, Ivanovic may not have the pace to bomb the right flank but can marshal the defence partnering with the likes of Mason Holgate and Michael Keane.
The Royal Blues were in contention to sign free agent Thiago Silva as well but it seems that Brands has decided to bring Ivanovic who has far more Premier League experience.
Branislav Ivanovic isn’t expected to play week in week out but he could be the man Ancelotti summons when the defence is wobbling. A free transfer won’t hurt the finance budgets too and the Serbian doesn’t have any extravagant wage expectations. All in all, Everton in advanced stages to sign Branislav Ivanovic should be good news for Evertonians.
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Is Branislav Ivanovic the right man for the Toffees?