According to Marca, Everton have joined the race to sign Djene Dakonam this summer. The Toffees are ready to challenge league rivals Arsenal in the pursuit of Getafe defender as they aim to add more quality to their defence next season.
It is believed that Djene has a release clause of €35 million. But, that won’t deter Everton, who are keen on securing the services of the 27-year-old defender.
Djene’s success at Getafe
Djene has become a vital part of the Getafe backline since joining the club back in 2017, in a €2.5 million move from Belgian side Sint-Truidense. The Togolese defender has already made 74 appearances for the Azulones and is now regarded as one of the club’s most valued players.
During the recently concluded 2018/19 campaign, Djene was an ever-present figure in the Getafe backline, making 34 appearances in the La Liga. He built a formidable defensive partnership with the likes of Leandro Cabrera and Bruno Gonzalez, which was critical in Getafe’s incredible season that saw them finish fifth in the league.
What can Djene offer to the table?
Much like Arsenal star Sokratis Papastathopoulos, Djene is advertised as a no-nonsense defender. Despite boasting a relatively shorter frame of 1.78m, the 27-year-old boasts exceptional physical prowess. As a result, he often becomes an intimidating figure in the backline.
Djene is an excellent tackler and has averaged 1.6 tackles per game during the 2018/19 campaign with an exceptional success rate of 76%. He can also read the game very well, having made 2.2 interceptions per game, which is an impressive statistic even for a world class defender.
Also, the former Alcorcon defender has silky feet and often likes to deceive the attacker with clever turns. However, he needs to work on his passing and composure on the ball.
Should Everton make a move for Djene?
Djene would be a smart addition to Everton given their lack of resources in the defensive department. Last summer’s star recruit Yerry Mina has struggled with both form and injuries. Everton have also suffered a massive blow in their pursuit of Kurt Zouma recently.
The Telegraph has revealed that the Frenchman will be considered in the Chelsea first-team next season, due to their transfer ban this summer. As a result, Michael Keane will be the only reliable defensive option for coach Marco Silva next season. Hence, someone like Djene could provide the Portuguese with additional options in the defensive department. And considering his robust style of play, the Getafe defender might actually be a tailor-made fit in the physically astute nature of the Premier League.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
