What if Baines leaves? Everton could find their ideal replacement with this £30m South American

Why Marcos Rojo could be the ideal replacement for Leighton Baines at Everton

Marco Silva has transformed this Everton team into a formidable force, as is evident from their pre-season exploits. The manager also recently completed a move for winger Richarlison from Watford. After a frustrating campaign last time out, Everton should make amends this year.

The club will not be able to spend much, given the shopping spree headed by Ronald Koeman a year ago. But the club are still in the market to add at least one more player before the window shuts on 9^th August.

Everton are linked with wantaway Manchester United defender Marcos Rojo. The Argentinian international has reportedly been told that he isn’t a part of the manager’s plans, meaning a move could be on the cards.

As a result, Everton must lure the defender to Goodison Park. But to do so, the Toffees must cough up Manchester United’s reported asking price of £30m. Silva has already spent a fortune on bringing Richarlison to the club but it looks like he must break the bank once more to land the Red Devils defender.

Rojo’s current contract ties him down to the club till 2021, with an option to extend it for another year. But now that Manchester United have acquired Diogo Dalot, there’s no certainty as to what role the Argentinian international can occupy at the club.

The 28-year-old was able to muster a total of just 9 appearances in the Premier League last season. He was often left out of the squad and only utilized when the main team was rested ahead of a big clash. But the former Sporting CP defender scored the decisive goal for Jorge Sampaoli’s men that sent them into the Round of 16 in the World Cup.

He is generally deployed as a left-back but Rojo is also comfortable playing as a central defensive midfielder. Rojo is a neat passer of the ball, averaging a pass success rate of 81.6% in the Premier League last season. He also averaged an impressive 90.2% at the World Cup. The defender duly contributes offensively to the squad, making marauding runs down the flank and supplying the attack with crosses.

Read more: Why Everton have committed a huge blunder by offloading 25-year-old for just £12m

With Leighton Baines now coming of age, Everton will need a new deputy at left-back. Rojo would be an ideal option at this point. There aren’t a lot of proven Premier League players in the market and Everton should certainly make the most of it. The Toffees should break the bank once again, but at least it could be worth it this time.