Premier League has gone to some other level now as even the mid-table clubs are also looking for big name signings. Who would have though five or six years back that players like Salomon Rondon or Roberto Pereyra will play for clubs like West Bromwich Albion or Watford! Money is something that each and every Premier League side have at their disposal, unless you’re Sunderland of course, and almost everyone is now showing intent. Everton are no different as talkSPORT claim that Ronald Koeman wants AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas at Goodison Park.
Manolas was one of the best defenders in Serie A since he moved to Roma from Olympiacos back in 2014. He was brought in as the replacement for Mehdi Benatia and the job he has done is remarkable. European football followers will be well-known to the name as clubs like Manchester United, Chelsea and especially Arsenal have been watching him for a long time.
English media house Express claimed a few months back that the Roma defender rejected a new contract with the Giallorossi and is determined to make his way out of the club desperately. The Greek international’s long-term future at Stadio Olimpico looks doubtful now and we could see the 25-year-old being approached by a host of top clubs across Europe.
But, are Everton big enough a club for a player of his calibre? Well, under the ownership of Farhad Moshiri they do have the financial power and Ronald Koeman is a reputed manager under whom anybody will be keen to work. Premier League is a league which anyone would want to play and moving to Everton does make sense. Although Manolas will have to give up Champions League football in the process as Roma are a top 3 side in the Serie A.
Now 25, Manolas is just entering his peak and could easily become one of the best defenders in the world in the near future. The Greek international is a ball-playing defender by trade, exactly what Koeman likes. His passing accuracy in Europa League this season has been 91% which is excellent. He hardly has to do the dirty work in defence thanks to his ability to read the game.
Aerially superb, he has won 3 aerials duels every game this season. The Roma stopper has averaged 12 defensive actions every game this season, a figure that any manager in the world would love. Phil Jagielka’s time at Goodison Park is nearing an end while Ashley Willaims has also failed to impress. Bringing Manolas to shore up their defence will be a massive statement of intent from the Toffees.
