Everton Opinion: Why the Toffees should snap up free agent Dedryck Boyata

According to a report from the Daily Record, Celtic defender Dedryck Boyata revealed last year that in his early 20s he was wanted by Everton, and that he now regrets rejecting the club’s approach.

After failing to make the grade at Manchester City, where he came through the youth ranks, the Belgian defender joined Celtic in 2015. The 28-year-old has been a solid performer over the last couple of years for the Hoops, helping the club to the double treble last season under former manager Brendan Rodgers.

But Dedryck Boyata wanted to leave Celtic in the summer, however, Celtic remained reluctant in selling him and also rejected a £9m bid from Fulham. As things stand, he is out of contract this summer, and looks set to leave the club having shown no desire to sign a new contract at Parkhead.

Having picked up a hamstring injury against Rangers last weekend, Boyata’s season – and his time with Celtic – may well be over. That being said, should Everton reignite their interest in the Belgian defender?

Without a shadow of doubt, yes! Everton haven’t been utterly convincing defensively this season, despite Michael Keane and Kurt Zouma forming a strong partnership at the back. They have conceded 42 goals in 32 games, which is poor considering the Merseyside outfit are challenging for a place in Europe.

Also, Everton are very likely to witness a couple of departures at the end of the season. Phil Jagielka is out of contract in the summer and is likely to leave, whereas Zouma will return back to his parent club Chelsea. Yerry Mina needs some time to adapt fully to the Premier League, which leaves Silva with only one recognised central defender in Michael Keane.

That’s enough to suggest why the Toffees need defensive reinforcements ahead of the 2019/20 campaign and Silva should snap up Boyata on a free transfer.

Boyata did fail to make at Manchester City but he has gained volumes of experience in the Scottish Premiership and now is in the prime of his career. He is physically strong, robust and aerially adept in winning aerial duels. The 28-year-old is comfortable with the ball at his feet and can launch attacks from the back, something which Silva wants from his defenders.

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The Belgian international is a bit reckless when it comes to tackling but generally doesn’t dives into challenges. Due to his frame and strength, he is also a threat from set-pieces.

Verdict

All in all, Boyata is a quality defender, who, in all probability, would enhance the standard of Everton defending. With Zouma set to return back Chelsea, he could be the ideal partner for Keane. And on a free transfer, the ex-Manchester City starlet’s signing would represent a massive coup for Silva and company.