Everton fans in the Transfer Tavern are optimistic for their future after Sam Allardyce was finally replaced by Marco Silva in the dugout.
Allardyce steered the club away from a relegation battle after taking over from Ronald Koeman, but his style of play left the Goodison faithful disillusioned. After various fan protests, his position became untenable. Former Watford boss Silva will now take the reins with director of football Steve Walsh also leaving the club.
Strengthening the Everton defence will be a priority for Silva upon taking charge of the club. Phil Jagielka is surely nearing retirement and Ashley Williams is an unpopular figure on Merseyside, following some horrendous performances. Last summer’s £30m signing of Michael Keane has also failed to impress our regulars after a nightmare campaign at Goodison Park.
To solve their dilemma at centre-back, the Toffees should attempt to sign Bournemouth defender – Nathan Ake. Valued at £13.5m by Transfermarkt, he became Bournemouth’s record signing last summer when he completed a permanent move from Chelsea for big money after impressing in his loan spell. Ake featured in every Premier League game last season as the Cherries secured safety.
The Dutch international averaged 1.4 tackles per game in the Premier League, according to WhoScored, more than any of Everton’s current centre-backs. Ake is a natural ball-playing defender, retaining an 84% passing accuracy, again higher than all of Everton’s current defenders. The ex-Chelsea man can also play at left-back, giving Silva valuable cover for Leighton Baines who is unlikely to complete a full season.
Everton fans, thoughts?
