Everton may not have a manager at the moment, but players continue to be linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer. The latest is Denzel Dumfries of PSV Eindhoven.
On Thursday it was reported by Voetbal International (h/t Football Oranje) that the Toffees were looking at the 25-year-old, who is a player Everton’s current director of football Marcel Brands knows well from his time at PSV Eindhoven.
That story was followed up by Chris Beesley of the Liverpool Echo, firming up the rumours of interest in Dumfries, who is expected to start at right-back for the Netherlands at this summer’s European Championships.
I’m told Everton are interested in Netherlands right-back Denzel Dumfries. The PSV captain, 25, is set to be a starter at the Euros. Marcel Brands could push for the signing with whoever succeeds Carlo Ancelotti. Player is contracted until 2023 but expected to move this summer.
— Christopher Beesley (@CBeesleyEcho) June 4, 2021
It’s no secret that Everton have been in the market for a right-back for a while, with Norwich City’s Max Aarons previously linked with a switch. That position being a priority is unlikely to change after Carlo Ancelotti’s shock decision to leave the club for Real Madrid earlier this week.
Dumfries would be a sensible acquisition for Everton. Coming from Dutch football he’d be cheaper than someone like Aarons, while the fact his contract is due to expire in 2023 may make PSV open to a sale.
But perhaps more encouragingly for Everton than the player himself is the fact that Brands seems to be taking charge of recruitment, regardless of what coach comes through the door.
In his three years at Goodison Park, it feels as though Brands has had his wings clipped by the owner and managers when it comes to setting the football strategy. The result has been muddled thinking and a Frankenstein squad of players, made up from different managers with different ideas.
With a new contract signed and another manager gone, now is surely the time for Brands to begin defining Everton’s on-field direction. Dumfries would be a decent start.