Otamendi worth considering for Everton
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is looking for a central defender to bolster his back four, so is Nicolas Otamendi a worthwhile option?
I’ve written many times before that I believe the number one weakness that Everton have to sort out in this summer’s transfer window, is the chronically dysfunctional midfield.
However, it’s certainly true that the Toffees need a better and more consistent defence longer-term if the team is going to make progress in the next few seasons.
Ancelotti understands this and he has obviously made signing another good quality central defender one of his priorities.
Obviously he has tried to sign Lille centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes almost since he first joined the club back in December.
A deal seemed almost done and dusted before the pandemic, but it now seems increasingly unlikely that Everton will secure the Brazilian’s services. I’ve also said that I’m not sure getting Gabriel is realistic given the Blues position.
Rumours have also recently popped up linking the Blues with several other possible defensive options, including most improbably ex-Chelsea man Branislav Ivanovic. Ancelotti has also been keen to bring in more experience and leadership to the team, hence why such links are emerging.
A more realistic and I would argue, better quality option, is the Manchester City player Otamendi. The Argentinian seems to be surplus to requirements at the Etihad now that City have signed former Bournemouth centre-half Nathan Ake.
With Ake now alongside Aymeric Laporte, Rodri and John Stones, City boss Pep Guardiola obviously doesn’t feel he needs the 32-year-old anymore. So according to media reports, he’s prepared to let him move on for as little as £8 million.
Otamendi might not seem like a particularly attractive signing at first glance. He’s over 30, probably past his very best and so will not have much, if any, sell-on value at a later date.
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But I think he’s still a good quality defender and has the kinds of strengths that the Toffees need to help improve their defence and develop their young centre-backs.
In particular, Otamendi is an excellent passer of the ball, something that is very important to Ancelotti’s way of playing. He is a solid all-round defender and a strong tackler with plenty of top level experience too having played in the Premier League and the Champions League regularly too.
One of the things Everton badly lack in all positions including central defence, are players with that kind of experience and potential leadership qualities. True, Otamendi isn’t exactly a headline grabbing signing, but I think for that sort of fee, he could give the Blues maybe two or three years decent service.
Another aspect to this is that bringing in a player like Otamendi for that sort of fee, would enable the Blues to focus more precious resources on sorting out the dysfunctional midfield. Then after a season or two, hopefully Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite will have matured into the top class partnership that they look potentially capable of becoming.