Mason Holgate could join Everton’s first-team next season after impressing on loan at West Bromwich Albion. The 22-year-old was deemed surplus to requirements at Goodison Park due to stiff competition at right-back (Seamus Coleman, Jonjoe Kenny) and centre-back (Kurt Zouma, Michael Keane, Phil Jagielka, Yerry Mina), but the Liverpool Echo say he could be in line for a return. Albion are also considering a move for Holgate and could make an approach this summer.
Holgate has made 19 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies since making the temporary switch in January, missing only two league games in the last four months. In the Championship, he’s racked up 1569 minutes of playing time, scored and created four goals, made 41 clearances, blocked four shots and seven crosses, averaged 39 passes-per-game with 64% accuracy, won 39 aerial duels (62%) and averaged a tackle (48) or interception (30) every 20 minutes.
The England u21 international can play at right-back and centre-back which may be useful given the uncertain futures of Kenny, Zouma and Jagielka. Marco Silva could turn to Holgate to provide cover at the back should Everton lose the aforementioned trio. If he joins the first-team in pre-season as expected, Holgate has a great opportunity to finally challenge for a starting place.
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