Everton enter the race to sign AC Milan’s top defensive target
According to some reports, Everton are interested in signing AC Milan target Mohamed Simakan.
Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan is a hot name that is circulating among the European circuit. Simakan came through the Strasbourg B team, after signing his first professional contract in 2018. The defender made his debut in July 2019 and since then has been a regular name in the Ligue 1 team, making 25 appearances last season.
In what was his breakthrough season, Simakan registered 2.8 tackles, 1.6 tackles, 1.1 clearances per game (stats via Sofascore). The 20 year old has started this season on a high note, impressing with his solid overall play, exhibiting his versatility for the French team. Even though Strasbourg linger around the relegation spots, just two points above the drop zone, his performances have been optimistic.
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He can be termed as an emerging talent who is just getting started. One of the biggest strengths Simakan possesses is his versatility. In the 16 Ligue 1 games he has played this season, the 20 year old has played as a centre back which is his natural position but also as a defensive midfielder and also as a right back.
Simakan continues to fascinate many teams across Europe with AC Milan being the most interested party. According to a report from Tuttomercatoweb, Serie A leaders want to sign Simakan and have made him the top defensive priority. The Rossoneri tried their luck in the summer but no real progress was made back then.
However, AC Milan are set to face competition from English team duo of Everton and Wolves, as per Tuttomercatoweb. There is close contact between Strasbourg and Milan as negotiations continue but there has been the latest entry of Everton and Wolves.
Do Everton really need Mohamed Simakan?
It is a bit odd for Everton to search for a centre back and get linked to Simakan. The Toffees have Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina and Jarrad Branthwaite in their ranks. The only possibility that makes this report sensible is that he’s being viewed as a utility man, capable of playing at right back as well as defensive midfield.
The Royal Blues do need some reinforcement in those areas but signing a centre back who can play in those positions is not the smartest move. Everton do not have ageing centre backs who need to be replaced hence, the idea of bringing Simakan to Goodison Park remains unclear.
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AC Milan are very close to agreeing to a transfer fee with Strasbourg and the Frenchman also favours a move to Italy. So, even if the Toffees are interested in Simakan’s services, they may be too late.