After an impressive campaign in the domestic league this season, there is expected to be an overhaul at Everton before next season starts. And given how compact and complete their squad up the field is, the changes will definitely be seen more in their back line.
Everton’s defensive targets this summer transfer window just got doubled with the serious injury their star defender Seamus Coleman suffered on international duty. And with their veteran centre-half Phil Jagielka losing a first team place under new boss Ronald Koeman, a new centre-half is in order.
According to latest reports, the Toffees are eyeing a summer move for Hull City’s star defender Harry Maguire. The 24-year-old has been immensely impressive in the Premier League so far despite the underwhelming campaign of Hull City and is in contention for an England call-up soon after the likes of Michael Keane and Ben Gibson recently tasted it.
Everton have had a terrific 2017 so far where the Toffees have been on the top of their game both offensively as well as defensively. However, the recent injury list as the season enters the crucial final quarter could be a concern for manager Koeman. Their first-choice centre-half Funes Mori has also been sidelined for the season with a meniscus injury and the manager has to fall back to Jagielka again.
Koeman is unlikely to make the same mistake again and his move for Maguire proves it. An academy product of Barnsley, the Sheffield-born player was soon picked up by his hometown club in 2009. He took just two years to break into the Sheffield United first-team and was touted by many as the next big thing. And Hull City finally recognised his talents in 2014, buying him for £2.5million.
After a brief stint with Wigan Athletic, he was taken into Hull’s first team when the Tigers were promoted to the Premier League last season. A no-nonsense defender by nature, Maguire’s strength is his intelligent defending and aerial dominance. He has won a whopping 81% of his aerial duels this season.
Maguire’s contract with Hull City expires in June 2018 and if Marco Silva’s side fail to survive the drop this year, they might have to let Maguire go.
Everton are closer than ever in securing a European spot next season and even if they don’t become successful in that, they are clearly a team in the making and would need the brilliant core of English youngsters to establish the foundation.
