Everton signing this €40m Chelsea star would be a solid move to strengthen their defence

Why Everton re-signing Kurt Zouma would be a stunning move

According to claims from French outlet Le 10 Sport (h/t Football.London), Everton have expressed an interest in bringing Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma back to Goodison Park on a permanent deal before the summer window. 

The 25-year-old established himself as a firm fan favourite among the Toffees faithful while on loan back during the 2018-19 campaign. The club’s chiefs want him back as Carlo Ancelotti looks to add another centre-back to his ranks

However, as per the report, Everton would need to pay around €40million to sign the French international permanently, with Zouma still very much in Frank Lampard’s plans at Stamford Bridge. 

Profile

Kurt Zouma enjoyed his senior breakthrough in France with Saint-Etienne and established himself as an exciting prospect in Ligue 1 before completing a move to Chelsea in January 2014.

The 25-year-old initially played a bit-part role for the Blues before nailing down a prominent role under former manager Jose Mourinho. But he once again found himself down the pecking order under Antonio Conte and Maurizio Sarri.

Zouma returned to Chelsea last summer after going through productive loan spells at Stoke City and Everton in the Premier League. The Frenchman made 40 appearances in all competitions for Chelsea last campaign, establishing himself one of Lampard’s trusted lieutenants at the back. 

He started Chelsea’s first two Premier League games against Brighton and Liverpool this season but was left out of the squad for the 3-3 draw against West Brom.

Zouma would be a top-class signing for Everton

Kurt Zouma was an undisputed starter under former Everton boss Marco Silva during his loan spell at Goodison Park. The Frenchman caught the eye with some top-notch displays at the back that season, making 32 appearances in the Premier League as the Toffees finished 8th and narrowly missed out on a Europa League spot.

Everton have already bolstered their midfield and creative lines with some quality players like Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, and James Rodriguez this summer. And according to a recent report, Carlo Ancelotti is keen to wrap up his business by bringing in a new centre-back before the deadline. 

That perfectly makes sense considering that teenager Jarrad Branthwaite recently joined Mason Holgate in the treatment room. This leaves the manager with Yerry Mina and Michael Keane as his only senior options at the heart of the defence.

Though Holgate and Branthwaite are expected to be back in action within a couple of months, Everton shouldn’t hesitate to look for a few upgrades in the market. With close to 150 PL appearances under his belt, Kurt Zouma certainly ticks the box in that regard. 

Everton conceded just 46 goals with Zouma as a regular starter in the 2018-19 PL campaign while they shipped 56 goals without the Frenchman last season with roughly the same set of players at the back. That pretty much sums up the kind of impact the 25-year-old is capable of making, irrespective of the managerial changes that have taken place. 

Read more

• Why Everton should revive their interest in Denis Bouanga
• Why Everton should revive their interest in Marash Kumbulla

Verdict

Rodriguez, Doucoure, and Allan have had a transformative impact on Everton’s midfield, with the Toffees registering three wins in three games in the Premier League this so far this season. They seem to have their midfield and attack sorted out after some fruitful summer business. A potential move to bring Kurt Zouma back to Goodison Park would put them in good stead for a top-six finish.

The Frenchman already knows what it means to play for Everton and still has his best days ahead of him at 25, thus making him worth a significant outlay for the Toffees.