Everton’s transfer activity has been behind schedule to an extent as the first 20 odd days were spent searching for a new manager. Since the arrival of Rafa Benitez at Everton, the club is working in tandem with the Spaniard to identify transfer targets and launch transfer operations. Central defence seems an area that Benitez wants to bolster and is considering two options – Clement Lenglet or Kalidou Koulibaly.
In theory, Everton have enough manpower in the central defence. Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate have regularly featured for the Toffees meanwhile youngster Jarrad Branthwaite is waiting in the wings for an opportunity to arrive, where the starlet can showcase his talent and continue his development.
However, it seems that Benitez wants to shuffle the defence and is eyeing a leader in the pack. The former Newcastle boss seems to have identified two targets. There are two centre back links that are circulating in the newsfeeds of every Everton fan.
The name of Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly are popping up far too often to neglect. Koulibaly was also considered a target even when Carlo Ancelotti was at the helm as the Senegalese was one of the favourite players of Ancelotti at Napoli. The Italian has departed from Merseyside but the links to the Napoli defender refuse to go away.
Everton eyeing Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet
As per Spanish publication Sport, Lenglet has emerged as a target for Everton as Rafa Benitez seeks reinforcements in the defence. The Spanish coach has set a goal to take Everton back to the top and potentially in Europe and in order to achieve that he wants to rebuild the squad as per his ideology.
Benitez wants to sign the 26 year old from Barcelona so that the Frenchman can assume the role of a leader in the Toffees backline. The former Sevilla defender hasn’t had a memorable season in the Blaugrana jersey. Euro 2020 was expected to be some sort of opportunity for Lenglet to salvage his 2020-21 season but the Frenchman never really made it into Didier Deschamps plans and played just 45 minutes throughout the Euro.
Benitez has already conveyed his desire to sign the Barcelona defender and considering the perilous financial position of the Catalan club, they should be open to selling the 26 year old. The article further states that the arrival of Lenglet would see the departure of Mina, with whom Benitez isn’t particularly impressed. The former Real Madrid coach sees Holgate and Godfrey as young options and wants an experienced defender in the ranks.
Rafa Benitez intends to make Kalidou Koulibaly as his first Everton signing
Another report mentions about Everton’s desire to sign Koulibaly. This is not the first time the Royal Blues have been linked with the Napoli defender. According to the Express, Benitez aims to make Koulibaly as his first Everton signing. The duo worked together at Napoli and now Benitez aims to reunite with the Senegalese at Goodison Park.
Napoli would be punching themselves in the gut for being too stubborn about Koulibaly’s value last season. Manchester City were ready to offer €60 million for the 30 year old but Aurelio de Laurentiis refused to budge from his €80 million valuation.
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One year later, Koulibaly’s value has fallen dramatically as Napoli are now ready to let their asset go for as low as £35 million in a bid to lower the losses and improve the club’s financial situation. Serie A clubs have been hit hard due to the COVID-19 pandemic which could spur even some of the biggest clubs in Italy to offload their top players. Sadly, Napoli is not an exception.
Among the two linked central defenders, Koulibaly is much more experienced, famed and adept. Lenglet is four years younger but has been far too inconsistent and unimpressive last season. Koulibaly is available for £35 million whereas Lenglet’s market value is £22.5 million (Transfermarkt).
Everton won’t be signing two centre backs so we’ll have to see how both these stories develop in the upcoming weeks.
Which centre back would you prefer – Clement Lenglet or Rafa Benitez?