Everton supporters in the Transfer Tavern are very much looking forward to the remainder of the summer transfer window following the appointment of Marco Silva as the club’s new manager.
The 40-year-old had been out of work since losing his job at Watford back in January, with the Hornets firmly laying the blame at the feet of Everton following their approaches for the Portuguese after sacking Ronald Koeman in November. Regardless, the Toffees now have their man after relieving Sam Allardyce of his duties last month, this all despite leading the Merseysiders to an eighth place finish in the Premier League this term.
Nonetheless, several of our resident Evertonians are relishing the new era at their club and as such are intrigued by who Silva could bring to Goodison Park this summer, with Manchester United’s Victor Lindelof one man reportedly on his radar.
However, after enduring a testing debut campaign at Old Trafford, the Toffees simply must opt against a £35 million move for the 20-cap Sweden international.
Ultimately, the 23-year-old defender only made the move to Manchester 12 months ago after impressing at Portuguese giants Benfica, but he has since been unable to translate that form into his playing days under Jose Mourinho at United.
The Sweden international, part of the squad for this summer’s World Cup in Russia, only earned 17 Premier League appearances for the Red Devils this term to underline his lowly position in Mourinho’s pecking order, with the likes of Phil Jones, Chris Smalling, and Eric Bailly seemingly ahead of the centre back.
As such, it’s difficult to see why Everton would pay a reported £35 million for Lindelof given he has shown very little to suggest that he can be the answer to their defensive woes, woes which saw the Toffees ship 58 goals in the Premier League this season.
After all, the likes of Smalling and Jones have been linked with a move away from Old Trafford in the last few months given neither have totally convinced this season – Smalling didn’t even make England’s World Cup squad – so what does that say about how highly Mourinho rates Lindelof that he still can’t get in ahead of the English duo.
Yes, at the age of 23, he still has plenty of time to adapt and improve in the top-flight, but it would be an almighty risk for Everton to pay a substantial fee for someone who simply hasn’t proven his top-flight credentials.
Ultimately, the Toffees have to bolster their defensive ranks this summer, what with the likes of Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka, and Leighton Baines all in the twilight of their careers, but Lindelof simply isn’t the answer – it would be a waste of £35 million.
That money could be better spent on other more accomplished Premier League centre backs, they have been linked with Newcastle’s Jamaal Lascelles, which is why they must opt against a move for United’s Lindelof this summer.
Everton fans… what do you think? Let us know!
