Juanlu Sanchez is not a new name here at Prince Rupert's Tower.
It's a move discussed back during the summer, although it looked like the right back's head was turned by only Napoli, only for the Italian giants to decide not to bring him into the fold. And his name returned in the lead-up to the January transfer window opening.
Needless to say, Sanchez checks a lot of the boxes in terms of fit for Everton. He's young, having just turned 22 in August, and fits the definition of a modern fullback capable of defending, getting forward, and creating for his teammates.
That doesn't even mention the fact that he won't cost an outrageous fee, with reported numbers ranging between €15-20 million for Sevilla. At this age, the opportunity for him to be at his new club for the next decade or to be sold at a profit in a few years is high.
And so a report out of Sport Witness should be one that excites Evertonians everywhere, especially those who are aware of how long its been since the club has needed to find a new long-term answer at right back.
Sean Lunt is reporting that Everton have "'revived’ their interest in Sevilla defender Juanlu Sanchez and a move is possible this month," with the information coming from two sources in Sevilla, "El Desmarque and Orgullo Biri." Sanchez is available along with his teammate, Isaac Romero.
If these reports are legitimate, then this is something that Everton should jump on without hesitation. Again, the combination of the player's age and skill, along with the Blues' insane need at the position, makes this a no-brainer type move.
It's clear that Everton also believe they need to add to their striking ranks, and if the deal is a good one, this isn't necessarily a bad idea for the Toffees either. But that decision cannot impact the ability to bring in a right back, which will allow the rest of the squad to better fall into place.
Jake O'Brien doesn't have to be counted on to cover that position, and can move into a second or third choice centerback, especially once Jarrad Branthwaite returns. James Garner and Merlin Rohl don't have to be pigeonholed into covering there either.
This Everton side is a mid-table squad as currently constructed, but after a few relegation scraps in recent years, that isn't necessarily a bad thing.
But if the future ambition is for Europe or competing for trophies and league titles, then the work of building that squad must start now, provided the player is a good fit.
In Juanlu Sanchez, Everton may have an opportunity to strike while the iron is hot.