According to a report from The Liverpool Echo, Everton are targeting a move for defender Yerry Mina, who shone for Colombia in the World Cup this summer. The 23-year-old made the move to Spanish giants Barcelona back in January but only managed six senior appearances for the La Liga champions, and given Everton’s obvious issues in the heart of their backline, the addition of the centre back could turn out to be a masterstroke.
The Breakdown
Ultimately, the Toffees endured a desperately disappointing campaign last time round in only mustering an eighth place finish in the Premier League, this all despite spending well over £100 million last summer.
And much of their problems came at the back, with the Toffees shipping 58 goals in their 38 league games – a tally greater than every side that finished above them in the division, and indeed two of the three relegated teams in the form of Swansea City and West Brom.
Thus, it’s pretty clear what department new manager Marco Silva must bolster this summer, which is why a move for the supremely talented Mina could turn out to be a masterstroke.
The 23-year-old shone throughout Colombia’s World Cup run to the last 16, with the centre back scoring three goals in three games for his country, including the last-minute equaliser to force extra time against England on Tuesday night.
In fact, his goals played a vital part in helping the South American side reach the knockout stages, thus underlining his aerial ability in the opposition box, yet just as important were his defensive capabilities, with Mina striking up quite the partnership with Tottenham’s Davinson Sanchez in the heart of their backline.
What do you think of the World Cup so far? Let us know
The 23-year-old is very strong aerially but also reads the game very well, and as such would surely be an upgrade on the likes of Ashley Williams and Phil Jagielka at Everton, both of whom are without doubt in the twilight of their careers.
And if Mina is able to perform for Everton at the same level he did for Colombia during this summer’s World Cup, the Toffees could be signing an extremely good player indeed, not only for the present but for the future as well.
And that is why the addition of the £8.1 million-rated star (as per Transfermarkt) could well turn out to be an Everton transfer masterstroke.
Everton fans… what do you think? Let us know!
About the Author
