Everton could be on the hunt for a central defender in January after letting Phil Jagielka & Ashley Williams leave over the summer without identifying a replacement.
The Toffees may have found a centre-back in Mohammed Salisu, but latest reports say they’ll have to battle Newcastle United, Schalke 04 and Sevilla for his signature. According to Pucela Fichajes, Salisu has a release clause of £12m. The 20-year-old has made 15 appearances in all competitions for Real Valladolid, scoring one goal.
As per WhoScored, he’s racked up 1112 minutes of Liga football, winning 36 aerial duels (64%), completing six dribbles (100%), blocking 14 crosses/passes/shots, making 63 clearances and averaging a tackle (16) or interception (13) every 38 minutes. Salisu has helped Valladolid pick up four clean sheets in the last two months, one of which was against Atletico Madrid.
Where do we need to improve in January?
Goalkeeper
Defence
Midfield
Forwards
Everton have been left with Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate at centre-back and desperately need to strengthen. Salisu is young, but he clearly has potential given he’s commanding a starting place at Valladolid. The Ghanian defender won’t break the bank either, so he could be a good acquisition for the Toffees.