The Everton supporters in the Transfer Tavern have been far from impressed by the performances of Cuco Martina so far this season, but recent reports have given them reason to believe that he will depart the club this summer.
Cuco Martin was given the task of deputising at left-back throughout Leighton Baines’ absence through injury this season. It must be considered that Martina is naturally a right-back, but even with that under consideration it’s fair to say the level of his performances have been incredibly lacklustre.
Since Baines returned to the first-team squad, Martina has found himself struggling for first-team opportunities and, despite the fact he only joined the club from Southampton last summer, he could be set to depart the club during the summer window. According to reports in The Sun, Everton are interested in signing Ryan Bertrand from Southampton at the end of the season, although they face strong competition from Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle for his services.
The signing of Bertrand would give Everton a second quality option at left-back and a potential long-term replacement for Baines, so it’s unlikely Martina would need to deputise in an unfamiliar position next season. However, he would also be struggling for selection at right-back due to the presence of Seamus Coleman and Jonjoe Kenny at the club.
With that to consider, it seems safe to assume that the arrival of a new left-back – whether it be Bertrand or someone else – would force Martina to leave Goodison Park in search of first-team opportunities.
The glaring lack of quality demonstrated by Martina this season has been a notable disappointment in Everton’s uninspiring season, so the supporters will certainly not be concerned by his departure.
Everton will need to make plenty of changes during the summer window if they wish to improve during the next campaign. The signing of Bertrand would certainly do wonders for their aspirations, but it would almost certainly spell the end of Martina’s dismal spell on Merseyside after just one season with the club.
Everton fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
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