Rafa Benitez could sell one Everton defender next summer
Everton boss Rafael Benitez could sell one of his four central defenders next summer, according to The Athletic journalist Greg O’Keeffe.
There have been concerns whether the Spaniard could offload Yerry Mina who has a contract at the club till 2023.
Mina has been in good form this season, and O’Keeffe has suggested that the Colombian deserves a new deal at the club.
Ben Godfrey is the one who could become the next world-class player at Everton, but right now the partnership of Michael Keane and Mina is blossoming under Benitez.
Paddy Boyland of The Athletic has suggested that Mina is Everton’s “most progressive defensive passer through the lines”.
However, it is his fitness that has impressed O’Keeffe the most.
“The key issue is his fitness, as you say, and he seems to be avoiding as many knocks so far this term,” wrote O’Keeffe for The Athletic.
“I like his partnership with Michael Keane and hope they can have some time to improve it even further. Getting to the point, then — yes, I’d give him a new deal.
“As for next summer, I think the club could move on one of their four current senior centre-backs to allow Benitez to recruit one of his own.”
Spotlight on Holgate
Benitez has four very good centre-back options, of which Holgate is probably the one who could face an uncertain future at the club.
The Spaniard needs to sell one of them to make way for any new defensive addition, and it seems highly unlikely that either of Mina, Keane or Godfrey will be sold.
Holgate has made two Premier League starts this season. He is a highly-rated defender but his future will depend on how many minutes he gets on his merit, and not forced by injury to others.
Having said that signing a central defender is not Benitez’s top priority. The Toffees should look to bolster other areas of the pitch, with adding depths in the full-back and attacking midfield areas are a top priority.
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