Why Lille’s Adama Soumaoro would be a good fit at Everton

Back in September, French publication L’Equipe (h/t Liverpool Echo) had claimed that Lille centre-back Adama Soumaoro, who was heavily linked with Everton in the summer, wants a January move to England.

A product of the Lille academy, Adama Soumaoro, 27, has been a regular for the club since the 2015-16 season.

He did have a start-stop 2018/19 campaign, yet managed 20 Ligue 1 appearances. This campaign, however, the Frenchman has struggled a bit for regular game time, managing just five Ligue 1 appearances till date.

Lille defender Adama Soumaoro shields the ball from his opponent. (Getty Images)

With the 27-year-old defender finding it difficult to get into Lille’s starting XI, the January transfer window could be the right time for Everton to rekindle their interest and sign him.

Everton have looked vulnerable at the back this season, with Michael Keane failing to replicate his term’s performances. Yerry Mina, who had an injury-hit debut campaign in English football, is yet to step up and justify his price-tag. The big Colombian hasn’t kept the injury problems away.

The Merseysiders are in need of defensive reinforcements, having failed to replace Kurt Zouma and Phil Jagielka in the summer. Jean-Philippe Gbamin was signed in the summer from German club Mainz but unfortunately, he has been ruled out of action after surgery.

Mason Holgate is a top prospect but whether or not he can be relied upon in big games remains to be seen.

Everton players celebrate after scoring a goal against West Ham. (Getty Images)

With just three senior centre-backs at the club, Silva must add depth to his squad when the transfer window reopens. And Adama Soumaoro could be a really solid option to consider for Everton.

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The French-born defender of Malian descent rarely loses his concentration and is capable of going toe-to-toe with physically strong forwards.

However, he is weak when it comes to tackling and thus, one can understand why Soumaoro rarely jumps into challenges. Plus, the Lille graduate’s ability to play across the backline is a feature that should come handy for Everton. (WhoScored.com)

Verdict

At the age of 27, the time is right for Soumaoro to take the next big step in his career. And a move to Everton would be excellent, particularly because his style of play seems ideal to Silva’s system at the club.