Everton needs to bolster up their defence before deadline day and they’ve made a bid for Juventus defender Merih Demiral.
After Wednesday’s EFL Cup win again West Ham, Everton may find themselves with yet another defensive injury. Jonjoe Kenny, the Toffees right-back, was substituted at the 42’ mark with a twisted ankle. We are yet to see how long this will leave him at the sideline, fingers crossed it isn’t for too long.
This adds to Everton’s already extensive list of defensive injuries including Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite. This list now also includes forward Richarlison and midfielder Allan, who were both also injured during the clash with West Ham. Like Kenny’s injury, we are also still waiting to find out how long, if at all, they will be absent for.
It’s no secret that Carlo Ancelotti is looking to get in reinforcements in defence before the clock runs out on deadline day. The rumours have been circling and endless names have been mentioned, now the new name we see coming up is that of Juventus’ defender Merih Demiral.
The Boot Room reported yesterday that Everton aren’t alone in their pursuit of the Turkish international. It would seem that Tottenham’s Jose Mourinho is also interested. Both teams have submitted a £27m proposal but have both been rejected.
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Merih Demiral cost the Italian team a total of £16.2m back in July 2019. He has made less than 10 appearances and was out for an extended period due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Now Juventus have bought in Dutch International Matthijs de Ligt, Merih Demiral has found himself on the bench and wanting so serious game time that he may no longer get at his current club.
He’s an aggressive defender and is similar in style and stature to Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic, a player who Demiral himself idolises. This sort of player would be a perfect fit for Everton and would only compliment the, already fantastic, back line.
Over the course of the last few days Everton have been linked with some big names and it’s pretty clear the position Ancelotti is in need of. The Toffees have been linked with Kurt Zouma, Jean-Clair Todibo and Ben Godfrey. Any of these defenders would make incredible additions to the team and its down to getting the right player at the right price.
With Yerry Mina and Michael Keane the only fit centre half’s, a new signing this transfer window is crucial. Luckily, if that’s what you want to call it, recent injuries have happened to positions Everton have reserved for. A central defender injury, however, would be disastrous. So Ancelotti has a lot to think about in very little time.
Will the Toffees make a second bid for Juventus defender Merih Demiral?