According to Le10 Sport, Everton have ‘interest’ in Malang Sarr and may be able to sign him on a free transfer this summer as his deal is up at OGC Nice. Le10 Sport say the 21-year-old ‘will not extend his contract’ at the Allianz Riviera, so he’s expected to be on the move in the coming months.
Sarr is unlikely to dethrone Lucas Digne at left-back, but he might be a long-term replacement for the 35-year-old Leighton Baines whose deal is also up this summer. Everton may yet retain his services for another year as he’s been a useful squad player, but Sarr could be one for the future.
The French U21 international has made 119 appearances in all competitions since joining Nice from Nizza in 2015, scoring three goals and making three assists. Sarr has been a regular under Patrick Vieira, making 20 appearances across the board this season before the Covid-19 pandemic caused Ligue 1 to be postponed, but is he good enough for Everton?
Baines is in the eve of his career, so it’s no surprise the Blues are shopping for a replacement left-back. Why they’re keen on Sarr is unknown, however. As per WhoScored, the 21-year-old has created only three chances, made three successful dribbles, whipped in three crosses and had just four shots in his 19 league appearances.
He’s not much of an attacking defender, so could he really replace Baines and compete with Digne for a starting place?