Reports claim that Everton are looking to bring in Bristol City fullback, Joe Bryan to the Goodison Park this summer. BBC Points West reporter, Steve Lansdown quoted a £10m price for the 24-year-old left-back while the Mirror claims that a £6m bid has already been put forward by Burnley.
It is clear that the competition is stiff for the Ashton Gate left-back, who has impressed aplenty with his heroics last season. Bryan has been one of the key figures in Bristol’s promotion chase last term with his 7 goals and 3 assists in 46 total appearances.
He has provided a lot of threat offensively while staying vigilant on the defensive end. The Englishman proved to be a key contributor in Bristol’s impressive run earlier in the campaign which saw them put up a real challenge for one of the playoff spots. It was shocking to see them finish in the 11th spot after starting the season so well.
This, unfortunately, could play a part in determining Bryan’s immediate future with the Robins. He has only a year left in his contract and several clubs are expressing heavy interests. The Toffees could certainly benefit from the scenario given the financial pedigree they currently possess under Farhad Moshiri.
Not only will they be able to knock out the competition with their final bid (if they so choose given the financial prowess of Moshiri), Bryan would seemingly be perfect at Merseyside. Everton are in the market for a fullback, ever since Leighton Baines went down to a major injury earlier in the season. While Baines returned to first team action at the very end of the season, there are definite question marks on how much Everton can rely on their senior left back.
Rhu-Endly Cuco Martina has filled in as a makeshift option but has looked far from comfortable when thrown into the deep end. He does not have a dominant left-foot to really make an impact on the offensive end.
Baines is 33 and is slowly entering the twilight of his playing career. Keeping up with the Premier League wingers is already proving to be a burden for the Englishman and Bryan could come in as an able replacement.
His entire career has been played out with the Robins, totalling 229 appearances. His remarkable strike gave the Championship side the 51st minute lead against Manchester United in the Quarter Final stage of the 2017/18 EFL League Cup.
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Bryan is developing into one of the best fullbacks in the Championship and is ready to take the next step in his playing career. Playing in the English top-flight will significantly improve his chances of being considered for the national team for sure.
