Why Everton should go all out to sign Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille
According to Liverpool Echo, Everton still remain keen on Lille star Gabriel Magalhaes ahead of the new campaign in a bid to bolster their defence.
A report from Daily Star suggests that Arsenal and Manchester United are also keen on signing the Brazilian. And this could make it difficult for Everton in their pursuit of Gabriel, who has attracted a lot of interest across Europe.
Profile
Born in Brazil, Gabriel rose through the ranks of Ave Futebol Clube and moved to France with Lille in January 2017. However, he initially struggled for regular game time and was sent on different loan spells to Troyes and Dinamo Zagreb before returning to his parent club in the summer of 2018.
Since then, he has been a regular member of the squad and was a key figure for the French side in the 2019/20 campaign, helping them finish in the 4th position in Ligue 1. They conceded only 27 goals in 28 league games which is the joint third-best defensive record in the French top tier.
Why Everton need Gabriel
At the moment, there are four centre-backs available at Carlo Ancelotti’s disposal. Michael Keane and Mason Holgate have been the two regular starters. Colombian international Yerry Mina has struggled with injuries and has also been left on the bench on several occasions.
The Toffees were shaky at the back, conceding 56 goals in the league which is poor according to their standards. Youngster Jarrad Branthwaite came through the reserve system and did well in the last few weeks of the Premier League season. But he is too young to be depended upon throughout a whole campaign.
Thus, signing the 22-year-old Gabriel would help the Toffees bolster their backline in a better way. The Brazilian was in sensational form in the season gone by and can be a future leader at the back for Ancelotti’s side.
His inclusion would definitely bring in healthy competition to the squad, whilst also adding some much-needed depth and quality to Everton’s backline. Given his recent successful form, the Brazilian can directly get into the starting XI and would make a difference at the back.
And the fact that he has been linked with a move to Arsenal and Manchester United, as mentioned earlier, shows that he is one of the best young talents across Europe.
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Verdict
With Mina out of form and the lack of numbers at the back, it is clear that Everton are in dire need of centre-backs. And Gabriel’s presence would provide them with some much-needed quality. With experience, he can develop into a Premier League material and if he is able to continue with the good form, he can go on to represent them in the long run.
