Everton have been linked with a number of big money centre-backs this summer but Rafa Benitez is still yet to dip his toes into the transfer market after being named their new manager.
On the chalkboard
The Toffees need to strengthen in most areas this summer but one of the biggest causes for concerns is at the back.
They conceded 48 goals in the Premier League last term which meant only two more teams in the division’s top half shipped more.
Everton let in five goals on the final day of the campaign as Mason Holgate was made to look particularly abject in the final weeks.
The young Englishman was robbed of the ball for Ollie Watkins’ goal at Goodison Park when they faced Villa and was then made to look rather foolish in that drubbing against Manchester City.
Ben Godfrey was in fine form after his move from Norwich, ultimately earning a place in England’s provisional squad for the European Championships. Yet, they could do with upgrades on other players.
The solution
Everton could make moves for Ben White and Kalidou Koulibaly this summer but another player on their radar is Barcelona’s Clement Lenglet.
Reports in Spain suggest that Benitez has asked the Toffees board to sign the £101k-per-week Frenchman to bolster their ranks.
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With Lenglet closing in on his prime at the age of 26, this could be a fabulous capture for the Merseyside outfit.
First and foremost, he is wonderfully composed in possession of the ball. Last season, the France international completed 92.1% of his passes which wasn’t only more than White and Koulibaly, but also a higher number than anyone in the Everton squad.
Furthermore, the 1.8 aerial duels won per game by Lenglet was also more than Holgate. Coincidentally, that tally was also dead level with Godfrey.
Speaking about his qualities in 2019, France manager Didier Deschamps commented: “He's a top player. He's got good technique, and despite his size, he's not bothered by individual duels. He's a player who's improving every day."
Barca find themselves in a situation where they drastically need to reduce their wage bill and with the centre-back on a hefty salary, he could be forced out of the door.
His performances for the Catalan giants have been solid so his exit would surely be more indicative of the club’s finances, rather than Lenglet’s displays.
Everton desperately need to add a bit of star quality to their defence and in Lenglet, they’d definitely find that.