According to a recent report by Fanatik (translated by HITC), Everton are among several English clubs that have made contact with Galatasaray centre-back Christian Luyindama’s agent ahead of a potential move in the summer. The same source has also revealed that the Toffees will face stiff competition from Wolverhampton Wanderers and Aston Villa in pursuit of the Congolese defender. However, it is understood that the Turkish Super Lig are reluctant to part ways with their prized asset (via Fanatik).
Luyindama’s Injury-Ridden Spell In Turkish Football
Since joining the Turkish giants from Standard Liege last summer, the 26-year-old has endured an injury-ravaged spell at Istanbul after missing a lot of games this season because of a cruciate ligament rupture. Luyindama has only made 15 appearances for Fatih Terim’s side this term, playing a total of 1336 minutes in the process.
More importantly, he has averaged 2.0 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 3.9 clearances in every 90 minutes of league football and the UEFA Champions League this season (stats via whoscored). When fit, the 26-year-old’s stats indicate that he can be a valuable asset for his team on the defensive end of the field. However, there are still some question marks over his fitness which makes him a gamble for any of his potential suitors.
Luyindama has also secured seven senior caps for the Democratic Republic of Congo national side and will be expected to play a crucial role for his homeland when the 2021 African Cup of Nations gets underway at the end of next season. Maybe a summer switch away from the Türk Telekom Stadium could be an ideal career move for him at this point of his football journey as it could help him rediscover his old form at the highest level.
What Will The Congolese Defender Add To Ancelotti’s Team?
Luyindama has the pace and the power to be a commanding presence inside his own box. He can put his remarkable upper body strength to good use and excels at overpowering the opposition in the air. The Congolese centre-back can also make some vital interceptions and last-gasp clearances for his side which explains why he was such a fan-favourite during his spell at Standard Liege. However, the jury is still out on whether he will be able to cope with the high intensity of English football if he decides to seal a move to Merseyside this summer.
Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is in dire need of bolstering his defensive options at Goodison Park if he wants to compete for major silverware and leave a lasting legacy in the coming years. For that to happen, the Toffees head coach has to figure out a way to increase competition for the likes of Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane after they struggled to find consistency with their defensive performances this season. Maybe, recruiting someone like Luyindama ahead of the new season could help push the Everton defenders to collectively perform better so that they can form a strong base in Ancelotti’s first-team.
Furthermore, the Congolese defender will also allow the Italian head coach to tinker with his formations and tactics more often, which might help his players turn some of the draws into wins in the upcoming campaign.
