Everton among clubs tracking highly talented £14.5m defender

Everton are keen on RB Salzburg centre back Oumar Solet.

The new Premier League season is quickly approaching and Everton are still working towards making improvements in the squad. Most of the transfer rumor’s involving EFC have been related to attackers potentially moving to Merseyside.

The Toffees did add a defender in Ashley Young, who offers versatility on the back line and in higher areas of the field. A part of the roster than has been overlooked is the center-back spot. Because of Yerry Mina’s and Connor Cody’s departure from Everton, quality options alongside James Tarkowski are lacking. Other options include Michael Keane, Jarrad Branthwaite, Ben Godfrey, and Mason Holgate.

This is not the best group of defenders to have coming into a new season. Keane and Godfrey have been underperforming and do not deserve a spot in the starting lineup. Branthwaite is talented but young, and it may be a risk to give him a chance this season. With Holgate garnering interest, Everton needs to add a center-back this window.

According to Mail Sport, Everton are interested in Salzburg defender Oumar Solet. A 23-year-old Frenchman, Solet is interested in making a move to the Premier League. Newcastle is also tracking the highly rated defender, with Serie A clubs Inter Milan and Torino interested as well.

Everton interested in highly rated defender Oumar Solet

Solet brings unique physicality combined with quickness, standing at 6 foot 4 inches. In addition, Solet is strong on the ball, ranking above the 75th percentile in forward pass % and progressive passes. Oumar Solet also ranks above the 95th percentile in defensive actions and defensive duel %, according to DataMB.

He looks to be an outstanding player whom Everton should not waste any time trying to bring him into the team. It is yet to be seen how Solet might adjust to the PL coming from Austria’s top division, but he does have Champions League experience. In four CL games this past season, he won 79% of his tackles and 90% of his aerial duels, according to FBref. 

Given the European experience, Solet should adjust to the Premier League without much trouble. This is the type of player EFC needs, one with quality but also desire. These two factors can slot him into the starting XI right away and be a substantial upgrade over the rest of the central defenders on the roster. With many other possible transfers slipping away from Everton, this is a player they do not want to miss out on. Oumar Solet is valued at 17 million euros via Tranfermrkt, an investment that would be well spent.

Will EFC sign Oumar Solet?