Why Everton should sign Djibril Sidibe on a permanent basis
According to Football Insider (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has given the green signal to sign on-loan right-back Djibril Sidibe permanently this summer.
Sidibe, who arrived from Monaco last summer has impressed for the Toffees in 21 league appearances this season. Despite Everton’s poor displays at the back this term, Sidibe has enjoyed individual success, providing four assists in the league so far.
He is also Everton’s second-highest assist provider in the league that has seen him replace Seamus Coleman as their first-choice right-back. Sidibe, whose loan spell is set to expire this summer, is available for a fee of around £12million. and reports suggest that boss Ancelotti is keen on securing his services permanently.
The 27-year-old full-back is a clear talent having represented France in their 2018 World Cup-winning campaign. Sidibe also has been a regular presence at the back for all his previous sides, making sense of Everton’s hopes of landing him permanently ahead of next summer.
In Sidibe Everton already have a proven customer
Meanwhile, the Toffees have endured a difficult season in the league this time, conceding as many as 46 goals from their 29 league outings. However, Sidibe has been one of few better players in the Everton back-four, that have had a decent outing in this year’s campaign.
Moreover, Everton does not have too many choices in the right-back role with captain Coleman being the only other option. However, Coleman has been largely inconsistent this season and has managed just 18 league appearances so far.
With Coleman’s form being a major concern and Everton clearly lacking depth in the full-back role it would be wise of Everton to secure Sidibe’s services permanently ahead of next season.
Also, in Sidibe, Ancelotti and Everton have a proven performer, who has been a regular feature for his former sides Monaco and Lille. His consistency at the back has seen him excel for both the French sides, making 114 appearances for Monaco and 119 for Lille respectively.
A veteran of 300 club appearances, Sidibe’s attacking instincts have seen him score 18 times and give 35 assists, making sense of Everton’s wish to sign him permanently. Having featured 82 times in the left-back role during his career, Sidibe’s versatility will also be handy for Ancelotti, whose Everton side have just Lucas Digne and Leighton Baines in that position.
Digne is Everton’s obvious first-choice man. However, Baines is already 35 and way past his prime, which is reason enough to sign Sidibe permanently.
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Verdict
On-loan right back Sidibe has shown consistency despite it being his first season. Moreover, the Toffees lack depth, with veteran Coleman being the only other player in that position. Also, having proved his mettle already, Sidibe can save the Toffees some money and time ahead of next season. Hence, they should make his loan deal permanent as soon as possible.
