Milliyet journalist Nevzat Dindar has claimed on Asist Analiz TV that Everton are eager to land Christian Luyindama from Galatasaray during the summer transfer window (translated by Sport Witness). Dindar has revealed that the Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti still wants the Congolese defender and is willing to make an €8m bid for his services in this off-season. However, it is believed that the Turkish outfit are demanding at least €15m for their prized asset this summer (via Sport Witness).
Luyindama’s Frustrations With Injuries In Turkish Football
Since making the switch to the Türk Telekom Stadium from Standard Liege before the start of this campaign, Luyindama endured a cruciate ligament rupture which kept him out for a significant chunk of this Turkish Super Lig season. He has participated in 15 matches for Fatih Terim’s side this term, earning a total of 1336 minutes of playing time while picking up one yellow card across multiple competitions.
The Congolese centre-back deserves credit for showing some signs of consistency after averaging 2.0 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and 3.9 clearances in every 90 minutes of league football and the UEFA Champions League so far (stats via whoscored). When the 26-year-old is playing with confidence, he has proven his value as a dominant presence at the heart of Galatasaray’s defence. However, there are still some question marks over his long-term fitness and health following a tough campaign in Turkey until now.
Luyindama has also represented the Democratic Republic of Congo in seven senior matches but is yet to open his goal-scoring account for his country. Maybe a change of scenery this summer could be an ideal opportunity for him to reignite his career and stake a claim for a permanent starting spot in the Congo squad in the years to come.
What Will The Congolese Defender Bring To Merseyside?
Luyindama can use his pace and power to outmuscle the opposition and dominate his own penalty box with authority and conviction. He wins his fair share of aerial duels and doesn’t mind going in with a few tackles to earn possession back for his team. The Congolese centre-back can also sense the danger quickly that allows him to position himself ideally so that he can make a few vital last-gasp clearances at the back.
Will Luyindama Be The Right Fit For Ancelotti?
However, there are some concerns over whether he has what it takes to cope with the high intensity of English football if he decides to join the Toffees ahead of the new campaign. Ancelotti is in dire need of adding more quality to his squad if he intends to challenge for major trophies in the coming seasons. Hence, a defender of Luyindama’s skillset could prove to be a useful addition to his squad this summer.
The Merseyside outfit should consider taking a gamble on the Galatasaray talent as he has all the attributes needed to be one of the top performers at Goodison Park next season. He will increase competition for the likes of Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Michael Keane in the race to earn a regular starting place at the heart of Ancelotti’s defence. Luyindama is a no-nonsense defender so he will fit in well at Everton as long as he can remain injury-free.
