Two more defenders linked with Everton move
Another round of transfer rumours have Everton apparently considering moves for two defenders Barcelona youngster Arnau Comas and veteran Stefan de Vrij.
Everton have been linked with an almost endless succession of defenders especially centre-backs with a host of names being touted over the past few transfer windows.
These two are just the latest to be mentioned as possible targets for the Blues’ as they prepare for what will hopefully be a busy and successful January transfer window.
Comas is a highly-regarded prospect and although he’s not played much recently, he’s unlikely to be available for transfer as new Barca boss Xavi is keen to keep him.
Inter Milan’s De Vrij is a solid and experienced central defender who might be available on the cheap in Janaury as the Italian club seek to reduce their costs and wage bill.
Defence is not one of the areas that has been indentified by recent discussions Marcel Brands and Rafa Benitez have been having.
The focus will instead, according to reports, be on finding another midfielder and more help up front with the addition of another wide attacker.
But, the Toffees have been leaking goals with alarming ease recently and Benitez has not been able to identify and consistently play a settled partnership at the back as injuries and poor form have disrupted his plans.
The manager’s own commitment to playing a sort of zonal marking system hasn’t helped and Everton have been particularly vulnerable defending set-plays.
Arguably the team’s best centre-back is Yerry Mina and he’s still out injured while Mason Holgate got himself sent off in the last game against Spurs, leaving Benitez with precious few choices as the Premier League slog resumes.
I would guess he will stick with Micheal Keane and Ben Godfrey in the centre for today’s game at Manchester City and that will at least provide some consistency.
But’ Mina’s constant absences have become a real issue for the team and it’s managers including Benitez now.
When he’s fit the Colombian is an excellent defender and the team’s as well as being a leader. But, his injury record is alarming and he’s never healthy enough to play a full season.
International obligations certainly don’t help but his problems staying fit are much more longer-term in nature and so it presents a real issue: should Everton sell him and replace him with another or stick with their 2018 signing?
If the club do decide to invest in another central defender, assuming finances allow, I would guess that won’t be until the summer anyway.