Everton have been long-term admirers of La Liga enforcer Aymen Abdennour and after a failed attempt last summer, the Toffees are expected to make a move this time too. However, recent reports suggest that Marseille are hot on the heels of the Tunisian international and might snatch the Valencia centre-half from under their noses.
Marseille went close in the January transfer window but Valencia didn’t want to lose one of their star players midseason. But, now with things clearer, reports from France have claimed that Marseille have already started negotiations.
The 27-year-old was a part of Valencia’s heavy 4-2 defeat against Barcelona last week. A player of his calibre could do brilliantly in a better team and given his big frame and aggression in defending, he could be a brilliant candidate for the Premier League.
Everton boss Ronald Koeman has indicated defensive changes in the coming transfer window from his current setup. The aged Phil Jagielka has become a third choice for the Dutch boss with Mason Holgate and Funes-Mori starting in the central defensive role alongside Ashley Williams. Jagielka is increasingly likely to leave Goodison Park at the end of the season as he seeks to end his footballing career on a good note.
Although Everton are doing really fine as of now, their first half of the season was a nightmare where they had conceded goals galore. And Koeman wouldn’t want to repeat it next season. And Abdennour can be a really good addition to Everton because of his playing style.
The 187cm defender likes to build up on the counter through short passes and his good game reading skills help him to time his tackles to perfection. His consistency could be a concern, though. His aerial dominance could bring a different dimension to Everton’s game, who are not the most feared opponent when it comes to set pieces. A centre-back by nature, Abdennour can also play as a left-back.
An academy product of Tunisian side ES Sehel, Abdennour made his way up through the ranks of a clubs like Werder Bremen, Toulouse and then Monaco, where he spent loan stints. His impressive Ligue 1 displays helped him make a permanent move to Monaco in 2014 and Valencia picked him up the next season.
Everton would face a tough competition from Marseille, it seems, whose new American owner, businessman Frank McCourt has reportedly sanctioned a huge transfer kitty that could bring in huge transfers.
