Everton: 3 defenders EFC can sign to replace £20.6m outgoing trio

Everton has a potentially large hole to fill with several defenders leaving the club this summer. As we all know Yerry Mina (valued at £8.6m) will leave the club as a free agent and Connor Coady will be heading back to Wolverhampton after his loan spell in Merseyside (EFC have not activated the £4.5m buy option). Recent news has circulated regarding Mason Holgate’s future as a Toffee as Sheffield United is interested in the 26-year-old(valued at £7.7m).

The Blues conceded the second most xG in the Premier League last season at 67. The team averaged the third least amount of possession per game, and there was constant pressure on the defense to prevent goals.

This included numerous star performances from keeper Jordan Pickford. Everton needs improvements and depth at the center-back position. Here are three potential targets to look for this summer.

3 centre backs Everton must consider

Alexander Djiku – Strasbourg

The Ghanaian center-back played 31 matches for Ligue 1 side Strasbourg, starting all of them. His contract expires in the coming days and has garnered interest from many clubs. He captained the squad and was planted in the middle of a three or five-man defense. Djiku brings physicality to the pitch in addition to strong distribution skills.

He ranked in the 85th percentile in progressive passes and 93rd percentile in defensive actions, according to Datamb. The 28-year-old is valued at 8 million euros on Transfermarkt and could be a similar singing to James Tarkowski last season.

Santiago Bueno – Girona

Valued at 8 million euros, Bueno is a defender who will bring solid passing from the centreback position. He ranked 84th percentile in progressive carries starting in 36 matches for La Liga side Girona. Bueno amassed 1.88 tackles per 90, putting him above the 75th percentile.

He’s an Uruguayan Barcelona academy product who helped bring Girona back into the top Spanish division. Just at 24 years old, Santiago Bueno is a player who can develop under Sean Dyche and alongside James Tarkowski. He does not necessarily have to start right away, but he brings depth to Everton’s backline.

Konstantinos Mavropanos – VfB Stuttgart

Mavropanos is a high-level center back that can step right into the starting XI for Everton. The Greek made 28 appearances for Bundesliga team Stuttgart, scoring two goals and one assist. He is an Arsenal academy product who was never given a chance with the first team. He is a first-choice starter for the Greece national team.

According to DataMB, Mavropanos ranks above the 75th percentile in passes completed, progressive passes, aerial duels win percentage, and progressive carries. He averages 1.97 tackles and 2.48 interceptions per 90, both at the 80th percentile or higher. Standing at 6 foot four inches and at 25 years old, Konstantinos Mavropanos is a defender Everton can bring in to sure up that position. He is valued at 15 million euros on Transfermrkt.

To improve the squad, Everton will need to make many moves at the defender position. Sean Dyche needs to find more reliable options to pair with stalwart James Tarkowski.