Everton were handed a transfer blow as transfer target Denzel Dumfries has joined Inter Milan. The Toffees were closely linked to the Dumfries as they search for a successor to Seamus Coleman.
Inter Milan sold Achraf Hakimi to PSG and were in search of a new right back. The extra-ordinary EURO 2020 campaign by Dumfries brought Inter into the mix. The player’s agent, Mino Raiola, pushed for a move to a Champions League playing side which made the Nerazzurri the favourites to land the 25 year old.
Everton’s pursuit of a Seamus Coleman successor has hit bumpy roads and roadblocks. From Max Aarons to Dumfries, Everton have suffered one blow after another in the chase. Lille’s Mehmet Zeki Celik was another option but there haven’t been any further developments as of now and the Turk is set to stay with the Ligue 1 champions. Coleman’s recent one year extension doesn’t imply that Everton won’t continue their search for a right back.
Even though he has been competent, Coleman at 32 isn’t getting any younger and faster. Everton’s other option at right back, Jonjoe Kenny, has not been entirely convincing too. Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate can slot in the right back position but none of them are natural right backs.
With Everton failing to land Denzel Dumfries, here are five alternatives to look at:
1. Youcef Atal
Team: OGC Nice
Age: 25
Nationality: Algerian
Market Value: £13.5 million (Transfrmarkt)
Had this article been written two years ago, Youcef Atal would’ve been mentioned as one of the most wanted commodities. The Algerian was destined for great things before a knee injury cruelly disrupted his development. Ever since, he’s had recurring injury problems which have further slowed down his path to recovery.
With the onset of a new season, he finally looks fit and past his injury troubles. The 25 year old is a versatile fullback capable of playing not only as a right back but also as a wingback and as a winger.
Atal’s qualities, especially in the final third make him an exciting full back. The Algerian possesses exceptional dribbling skills along with notable balance and lightning speed. His dribbling qualities are probably the biggest attractive trait for any suitors.
Everton have struggled for pace while going forward but Atal can solve that problem. He can support the attack and also make up defensive ground quicker than anyone else. At one stage, Atal was the quickest player in Ligue 1 in 2019 clocking 36.6 kmph against AS Monaco.
Atal is athletic, malleable and a powerhouse when it comes to providing threat on the right flank. The 25 year old can still work on his crossing and at 25 he has time on his side. Atal can provide rapid bursts of pace and drive the ball forward, allowing quick transitions. The OGC Nice player is exciting and given the right incubation, he’ll be a solid addition.
2. Diogo Dalot
Team: Manchester United
Age: 22
Nationality: Portuguese
Market Value: £9 million (Transfrmarkt)
Perhaps, the name of Diogo Dalot has sprung often since last season as a target for Everton. The Portuguese spent last season on loan at AC Milan, making 33 appearances for the Rossoneri. Dalot’s future at Manchester United looks bleak. As per Mirror, the defender’s time at Old Trafford is coming to an end. With two years remaining on his current contract, Manchester United want to cash in on the 22 year old.
The Red Devils will accept a loan option with an obligation to buy. AC Milan have been interested in taking Dalot on loan but there are also reports of concrete interest in Alessandro Florenzi from AS Roma.
The Toffees could ponder upon signing the 22 year old. Dalot arrived in England as a talented 19 year old with bucketloads of potential. Hampered by injuries and not getting a fair shot in the first team, Dalot’s time at Manchester United has proven to be underwhelming.
Dalot’s versatility is a huge asset as he’s capable of playing as a right back, right wing back and even as a full back on the left side. He takes on players while contributing to the attack while work rate is also appreciable. Everton are said to be struggling with Financial Fair Play regulations and a loan with an obligation to buy might just make the process easier.
3. Ridle Baku
Team: VfL Wolfsburg
Age: 23
Nationality: German
Market Value: £22.5 million (Transfrmarkt)
Ridle Baku was one of the best performers for VfL Wolfsburg last season. In his debut season for Wolfsburg, the German has shot to prominence through his energetic style of play. The German was snapped up from Mainz 05 for £9 million last summer and in just one season, he’s sprung up as one of top emerging right backs.
The 23 year old possesses handsome ball control and distribution, allowing him to be a part of Wolfsburg’s build up and creativity unit. His quick dribbling skills coupled with his progressive mindset make Baku a dangerous attacking asset on the right flank. The German averaged 2.15 dribbles per game last season along with 4.83 progressive carries.
Baku makes equal contribution in defence, averaging 2.52 blocks per game while also making 1.58 interceptions. Even though it is early days, Rafa Benitez’s Everton side are playing lightning quick counters and progressing with the ball with some vigor and solid intent.
With Andros Townsend on the right, Everton’s quality of crossing has improved by a mile. Baku himself is a potent crosser of the ball, showcasing preciseness and dexterity. The right back ranked 7th in Bundesliga for crosses with 91 crosses out of which 17 were in the penalty area.
Should Everton manage to sign Baku, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison will be left salivating with the crossing service they might have this season. Of course, Baku will be expensive and do Everton have the much needed funds to pull off a £25 million+ move is a question that will continue to linger in everyone’s mind.
4. Fabien Centonze
Team: FC Metz
Age: 25
Nationality: French
Market Value: £7.2 million (Transfrmarkt)
Fabien Centonze is perhaps a name that Everton fans won’t be synonymous with. The Metz right back has been flying below the radar and continuously excelling at his game. Ligue 1 ‘s avid followers will know Centonze’s stellar rise since his move to Metz in 2019. In a pandemic curtailed 2019-20 season, the Frenchman put in top defensive performances being a reliable outlet for Metz.
In the ever evolving game, the latest batch of full backs are trained and moulded to increase their presence in attack and buildup play. This at times, often leaves defensive gaps. Centonze probably doesn’t offer the same attacking prowess as many other modern day full backs but what he offers defensively, has been hardly matched by any full back in the Ligue 1.
The Frenchman has been sound defensively, posting some of the best numbers across Europe in the past two seasons. In 2020-21 season, Centonze made 108 tackles, 86 blocks in Ligue 1, most by any player and made a total of 66 interceptions. What he lacks in attacking traits he compensates through his defensive skillsets.
The 25 year old is a reliable ball carrier too. Centonze averaged 6.87 progressive carries last season with handsome passing and crossing abilities. Most importantly, he could be available for a modest sum which could certainly draw Everton’s attention.
5. Noussair Mazraoui
Team: AFC Ajax
Age: 23
Nationality: Morocco
Market Value: £15.3 million (Transfrmarkt)
Probably, the most surprising thing about Noussair Marazoui is that how is he still at Ajax and not already snapped up by one of Europe’s top clubs? Marazoui is extremely talented whose game has evolved massively in the last couple of seasons. His presence in the Moroccan team forced Vahid Halilhodzic to move Achraf Hakimi to the left only to accommodate Marazoui.
The 23 year old is in the final 12 months of his contract at Ajax and is yet to pen a new deal with the Dutch giants. With Devyne Rensch and Sean Klaiber blossoming in the Ajax roster, the Eredivisie side may want to cash in on Marazoui if an extension isn’t on the cards.
Marazoui is a well rounded full back with impressive technical abilities. His capability to adapt allows him to function in a number of systems and shapes. He is a highly forward minded full back looking to carry the ball forward on every possible occasion. Marazoui is in the top 1% of full backs across Europe when it comes to progressive passes, averaging 8.3 progressive passes per game. Defensively, he ranks in the top 1% for tackles, making 3.96 tackles per 90 minutes. The Moroccan might not offer blistering pace but has enough technical security in his locker to interest his suitors.
He has a bit of everything and can ease Everton’s worries when transitioning from defence to attack. Even though he’s valued at £15 million, the Toffees could manage to get him on a much lesser fee because of his contract situation.
Who could be Seamus Coleman’s successor?