Everton should sign £10.7m-rated Zeki Celik from Lille
Everton can and should reignite their interest for Lille’s Ligue 1 winning right-back Zeki Celik, who is also a Turkey international.
The Liverpool Echo recently reported that the Toffees and Rafa Benitez are keen on signing a right-back this summer.
Celik, who in a May 24 update by L’Equipe, was linked with a move to Everton, must be on Marcel Brands’ shortlist ahead of the August 31 deadline.
Back in June 2020, the Toffees were also keen on signing him where he was valued at £18million according to a report in The Times.
However, Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has this month reported he is valued at £10.7million by Lille.
The 24-year-old’s contract expires in the summer of 2023 so there is also a possibility of looking to get him on a loan with an obligation to buy.
Given Everton’s financial situation, such a move seems extremely feasible.
Lille are in a mess of their one and have lost the manager after winning the league last summer.
Celik was one of the most consistent performers for Christophe Galtier’s side last summer and would be a quality signing for the Toffees.
Per WhoScored, he played in 29 league games last season and averaged 2.5 tackles per 90 minutes.
Going forward, his numbers were equally impressive as he completed 2.85 crosses on an average per game and has won 19.29 duels per game in Ligue 1. [Wyscout]
He could share playing time with Seamus Coleman, before completely replacing him next summer.
Coleman is already 32 and does not have too much time left at his very best and this season could very well be his last as a regular in the playing eleven.
Looking at Celik’s numbers, he’s good enough to play a defensive full-back role just as good as someone who’s running up and down the pitch.
We’ve got to explore signing him and possibly look to bring down his valuation as well.
In other Everton news, Toffees want major player swap deal to sign 24 y/o admired by Jose Mourinho – Paul Joyce
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.