Calciomercato has stated that Napoli defender Nikola Maksimovic’s agent Fali Ramadani is ‘considering’ a proposal from Everton and another undisclosed Premier League side for his client this summer. It is understood that the Serbian centre-half has fallen out with his manager Gennaro Gattuso and should be available for a fee not more than €15m as the player is in the final year of his contract.
Maksimovic’s Impressive Form At The San Paolo Stadium Last Season
Frequent injuries have derailed Maksimovic’s progress at Naples, but he has still managed to be consistent with his defensive contributions on the field. He has got one goal and one assist to his name in 28 appearances for the Italian outfit in the previous campaign across all fronts.
Defensively, the 24-time Serbian international has performed at a high level after averaging 1.6 tackles, 1.4 interceptions and 2.7 clearances per match in the Serie A and the UEFA Champions League last season. He has established himself as an accurate ball-distributor at the back based on his pass completion rate of 93.1% in the Italian top-flight (stats via whoscored).
Maksimovic missed several games in the first half of the 2019-20 Serie A campaign due to a muscle injury and later, a hamstring problem. If he can stay injury-free next season, then he could serve as an excellent squad player at Goodison Park if Carlo Ancelotti can land him this summer.
What Will The Serbian International Offer On The Pitch?
Standing at 1.93m tall, Maksimovic can use his strong frame to battle for every loose possession of the ball inside his half. He often comes out on top in the 50-50 aerial duels with the opposition as he has got the strength to outmuscle them at both ends of the field. The Serbian is proficient at reading the danger and is usually there mopping up at the back by making a few important clearances for his side.
Maksimovic has all the qualities needed to be a future star for the Toffees if he decides to move to the north-west of England ahead of the new campaign. He will significantly bolster Ancelotti’s defensive options and could prove to be an upgrade over Yerry Mina, Michael Keane, Mason Holgate and Jarrad Branthwaite at Merseyside.
Is Maksimovic A Decent Choice For Everton?
The English side needs to bring in some bite and steel to their backline so that they can be more competitive in the high-profile matches against the bigger teams of the Premier League next season. At 28, Maksimovic is currently playing at his peak and will give his best years to Everton if Ancelotti can lure him to Goodison Park before the transfer window slams shut in October.
His physicality and tenacity to win the ball back, make him a decent choice for the Toffees to consider before the start of the 2020-21 campaign. He will also allow Ancelotti to play with three centre-backs more often in the coming seasons.
