Everton are on high alert after Inter Milan have been reportedly made their midfielder Ever Banega available for the winter. The Mirror reports that the Merseyside club have already opened talks with the 28-year old’s agent and hope to finalise a deal early next month. However, the Toffees will be battling clubs from France and Spain, who are also keen to secure the Argentina international’s signature.
After a string of disappointing results, most recently on last Saturday when the team succumbed to their fourth consecutive away defeat, there’s a bit of pressure on the manager to make proper use of the January transfer window. With one of the most cultured midfielders in world football available for an unbelievable price of £8m, Koeman needs to act quickly.
Inter were lucky to get Banega for nothing. He arrived in Italy on a Bosman from Spain’s Europa League champions Sevilla in July, but he is now valued at £8million by the Italian club which is still very modest given his quality.
The former Valencia star, who has 51 caps for Argentina, has a contract with Inter until June 2019. The 28-year old midfielder has been one of the best performing players on the pitch for Inter Milan who are struggling at the moment in the Serie A with their inconsistencies just like Everton.
Three managers in a space of 4 months has disrupted the Italian team’s rhythm as well. The club is now looking to build the squad which is why they have made Banega available but it is a decision which looks very surprising given what he can offer to the squad and his good performances for the side.
Inter’s loss can be Everton’s gain. Banega has shown over the years how dependable and effective he can be for his side. The best attribute of the midfielder is his ability to perform at a high level even when the players around him aren’t playing well. During his time at Valencia, he proved that time and again.
Sevilla signed him in 2014 and the decision proved to be excellent as the Argentine pass master became the mainstay of Unai Emery’s midfield which won back to back UEFA Europa League crowns. With many of their midfielders playing below par this season, integrating a player of the quality of Banega will instantly change the total scenario.
The 28-year old’s ability to pass the ball is bettered by few in world football. His vision and creativity make him an absolute asset for the squad. To top it all he contributes in the defensive phase as well, consistently pressuring his opponents not giving them a moment’s peace when they have the ball.
Ronald Koeman knows now that he needs to change the things around a bit. The manager has already fired warnings to some of his players over their poor displays, as he looks to replace them with potential upgrades in the transfer window. The central midfield is the region the Dutchman has targeted first and there’s no doubt that the 51–cap Argentine international Ever Banega is the best answer for the solution of the Toffees in the midfield available this winter.
