Why Everton have done the right thing by offloading Cuco Martina

According to a report by BBC, Everton defender Cuco Martina has joined Stoke City on a season-long loan. The 28-year-old, who is a right-back predominantly, was bought last year under Ronald Koeman to cover for the injured Seamus Coleman.

However, as it turned out, the Dutchman played as a left-back for most games and struggled to provide eye-catching impacts. He played 28 games in total last season but it felt inevitable for him to play elsewhere this year.

Everton, under new manager Marco Silva, have done numerous businesses this summer and have covered many positions in doing so. So, here’s why the Toffees have done the right thing by letting Martina go on loan to a Championship club:

Surplus to requirement

Everton did some late business to sign the likes of Andre Gomes, Yerry Mina, Bernard and Lucas Digne. This has not only bolstered their squad but also ensured that their fringe players would not receive adequate opportunities to impress the new manager.

Talking about full-back positions, Seamus Coleman is the first-choice right-back for Everton, with young Jonjoe Kenny as an able back-up. Meanwhile, veteran Leighton Baines is good enough to lead the race for a left-back position, with stern competition from Digne.

And perusing the positions Martina is comfortable playing, the full-back area is the most likely one. However, the Toffees have enough choices in that department for now. So, they have done the right thing by loaning him out to Stoke.

Now, if Silva does receive a setback in injury, he can recall Martina next season to do the job as per requirement. The Dutchman is a vital utility player, hence, it is clever from Everton’s part to not sell him as of yet.

Verdict

It is a good move for Martina too, as he will receive game time at Stoke which should help him regain confidence. As far as Everton are concerned, they had to offload some players because of the number of assets they have at their disposal, especially after their deadline day shopping.

Therefore, this is a business with which Martina, Stoke City and Everton will be happy.