Everton’s summer transfer spending seems to be finally off the mark as they are now set to land Watford winger Richarlison in an expensive deal this summer. However, Marco Silva, the new boss at Goodison Park, has other areas in the squad that he wants to improve on and the left-back spot seems to be bothering him right from his first day at the club.
The Portuguese tactician has been linked with a host of left-backs from all around Europe and was close to signing Celtic star Kieran Tierney earlier in the summer. However, they dropped interest in the Scottish international and reports suggest that they have now turned their attention towards another sought after defender in Lucas Digne. Apparently, Everton made a £22m offer for the player which has been accepted by Barcelona.
The Meaux born full-back started his senior career with Lille and was picked up by Paris Saint Germain in 2013 when he was a 20-year old. He was expected to have a bright future in Ligue 1 and broke into the national side just a year later. He has already made 21 appearances for his country but was overlooked by Didier Deschamps’ World Cup winning squad in Russia due to lack of playing time the season before.
He joined Barcelona in 2016 but has just made 22 league starts in two seasons at the Camp Nou. He is a smart defender, who is confident in possession, while his strength in the air and in hold up play make him much more dangerous. He is technically strong and has not cost his side any chance, even in the tightest of games.
He is not a great crosser but is excellent with his defensive duties and can also unlock defences with his passing. At 25, he has already gathered enough experience at the highest level and is a decent acquisition for the Toffees.
Also wanted by the likes of Juventus and Bayern Munich, the French international is one of brightest left-backs on show in Europe and reports suggested that Everton were the first club to make a move, having made a £22m bid for his services.
Barcelona were not too keen to let him go and see him as an able backup to Jordi Alba in the first team but Digne is unsettled due to lack of game time, that has already cost him a World Cup medal. It seems these scenarios along with the £22m has persuaded Barcelona to part company with Digne.
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Everton are desperate for a left-back, with Silva not too keen on playing Cuco Martina regularly next season. Leighton Baines is no longer a regular first team option leaving Digne with a place in the first team.
