Everton director of football Marcel Brands and the board are currently mulling over the next managerial appointment. But Brands also has an eye out on the transfer targets as the Toffees plan to strengthen the squad this summer. PSV Eindhoven right back Denzel Dumfries remains a target that Brands wants to bring to Goodison.
Everton acquired Djibril Sidibe on loan in 2019 with an option to buy. Despite putting in several satisfactory performances, Sidibe’s buy option wasn’t redeemed because of the asking price set by AS Monaco. In 2020, then manager Carlo Ancelotti had a right back conundrum in front of him: Who acts as a backup to Seamus Coleman and eventually succeeds him when the time is right?
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There were shouts about Jonjoe Kenny after his fruitful loan spell at Schalke but the Englishman simply didn’t take his chances and looked unimpressive, eventually going out on loan in January. The Royal Blues have been searching for a right back since last summer but their search has yielded no positive results.
The problems of having a single traditional right back have been glaringly evident in the recently concluded season. When Coleman was injured, Mason Holgate deputized but looked shabby and uncomfortable. Holgate is better suited in his regular centre back position and not at right back.
Everton ahead of Napoli in Denzel Dumfries race
Dumfries is regarded as a transfer target for the Toffees as the footballer also aims to take the next step in his career. He has excelled PSV since 2018 but is now ready to take the leap of faith. Dumfries is a typical Brands target. Young, exciting but also with some experience under his belt.
The 25 year old is also attracting attention from Serie A outfit Napoli, as per Il Mattino (via Sport Witness). However, the report mentions that Everton seems to be on pole to sign the Dutchman. Napoli considers Dumfries as a player who is intriguing and can strengthen the full back department. However, the Merseysiders seem to have the upper hand on Napoli in the Dumfries chase.
Brands has seen Dumfries at PSV and knows him well. This could give the Royal Blues an edge over the other interested sides like Napoli in the negotiations. Since Euro 2020 has begun, any such negotiations will take place after the tournament as Dumfries will feature with the Netherlands at the tournament.
Will Denzel Dumfries sign for the Toffees?