Everton have been in the market for a centre-back all season after releasing Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams while loaning out Matthew Pennington to Hull City last summer. The Toffees have been linked with LOSC Lille defender Gabriel dos Santos Magalhães, but they’ve also been monitoring the progress of Tosin Adarabioyo.
The 22-year-old has risen through the youth ranks to the fringes of the Manchester City first-team and has gone on to make eight appearances in all competitions. As per Transfermarkt, he joined West Bromwich Albion on loan last season due to a lack of playing time and opted for another temporary move away to Blackburn Rovers this time round.
As per WhoScored, Adarabioyo has made 27 Championship appearances, racked up 2336 minutes of second-tier football, contributed three goals, created five chances, completed 80.6% of his 1337 passes, won 88 aerial duels (71%), made 10 successful dribbles (91%), had 14 shots with 50% accuracy, blocked 26 shots/passes/crosses, made 124 clearances, gave away only eight fouls and averaged a tackle (20) or interception (43) every 37 minutes.
The former England u19 international has an asking price of £20m and currently earns £1.56m-a-year/£30k-per-week at City. He wouldn’t break the bank and would certainly improve Everton’s defence, so the Toffees should consider enquiring about his services this summer.
Pennington will return to Goodison Park after his loan spell, but he’s likely to be moved on as he’s surplus to requirements. Everton want a fourth central defender of quality to accompany Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina and Michael Keane next season – could it be Gabriel or Adarabioyo?
The Blues can’t go another campaign without having cover in every position.