According to a recent report from Goal, Everton are closing in on the signing of centre back Yerry Mina. The 23-year-old made the move to Barcelona back in January but only managed six senior appearances for Ernesto Valverde’s side in the second half of last season, before going on and excelling for Colombia in their run to the last 16 of the World Cup in Russia this summer.

And it looks as though Marco Silva’s Everton are closing in on the defender’s signature, in what would be a bigger signing for the club than that of Richarlison, who made the move from Watford earlier this week.

The Breakdown

Ultimately, the Merseysiders spent a hefty £50 million on luring 21-year-old Richarlison to Goodison Park earlier this week, in what was Silva’s first signing since taking over as Everton chief back in May.

And while the winger department could have benefitted from some improvements, it was hardly an area of the squad that was in dire need of strengthening - the same cannot be said of the centre back ranks though.

The Toffees conceded 58 goals in their 38 Premier League matches last season, more than any side that finished above them in the division, and indeed more than the relegated duo of Swansea City and West Brom.

Thus, it’s pretty clear what area of the squad needs serious improvement this summer if Silva is to indeed take the club towards the top six places, and with the defensive unit somewhat ageing with Phil Jagielka turning 36 next month, and Ashley Williams and Leighton Baines currently 33, signings appear to be a requirement this summer.

And that is why, if they add £18 million-rated Mina (as per Transfermarkt) to their ranks this summer, it would be a bigger signing than that of Richarlison.

The 23-year-old may have struggled for regular football at Barcelona, but the sheer fact that the La Liga champions signed the centre back says a lot about how good a defender he is, and how good he could go on to become.

And that was none-more-so evident than at this summer’s World Cup, in which the 23-year-old netted three times in three games for Colombia, as well as being part of backline that, while he was on the pitch, conceded just one goal (and that was a penalty from Harry Kane).

Thus, Mina could well be the centre back Everton have been crying out for in the last few years, and alongside the likes of Michael Keane and Mason Holgate, the future would look even brighter on Merseyside.

As such, adding 23-year-old Mina to their ranks this summer would without doubt be a bigger signing than that of Richarlison.

Everton fans… what do you think? Let us know!