Why Everton should sign Lucas Veríssimo from Santos

According to Brazilian outlet Lance (h/t The Daily Post), Everton are interested in signing Santos defender Lucas Veríssimo for £8.5m this month.

Lucas Veríssimo, 24, has enjoyed a solid season with Santos, racking up 33 league appearances. He has bagged two goals and an assist, but has picked up two red cards in the Brazilian Serie A.

A loan offer was rejected last week, but Santos are willing to accept a permanent deal for their star defender, whose sale would ease their financial woes, the report adds. (UOL h/t The Daily Post)

Nene (L) of Vasco da Gama struggles for the ball with Lucas Verssimo of Santos during a match between Vasco da Gama and Santos as part of Brasileirao Series A 2017 at Nilton Santos Stadium on July 16, 2017 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Getty Images)

Everton, meanwhile, have conceded just four goals in six games since Carlo Ancelotti took over at Goodison Park in December, a substantial improvement from the Marco Silva regime.

However, Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate are the only natural centre-half options at Ancelotti’s disposal. There’s a lack of depth in that department and that needs to be addressed this month.

Veríssimo is a defender who is a regular fixture for Santos now and he first broke through to the first-team in 2016.

Carlo Ancelotti is the new Everton manager. (Getty Images)

Depth in squad is vital for any club playing in the Premier League as the fixtures come thick and fast. Hence, signing a player who would offer that would be a positive move for Everton.

With just 3 natural central defenders available at his disposal, getting a player who would be the fourth option would help Ancelotti deal with any unfortunate injury or suspension to one of his current players.

At just 24 years of age, he has a good experience of playing in the Brazilian top-flight, making 100 appearances for Santos so far.

Verdict

Recruiting a defender like Veríssimo would add more depth to the Toffees’ defence this month.

The Santos star may not be a big-name signing but he has the potential to be a valuable addition to Everton. Therefore, Ancelotti and co. should go in pursuit of his services this winter.