Everton can finally solve lengthy left-back issue in Ferdi Kadioglu as transfer news emerges
Everton are reportedly interested in signing Fenerbahce defender Ferdi Kadioglu this summer and the Turkish star presents a perfect solution to a long-held defensive problem at Goodison Park.
The 23-year-old, who has been capped eleven times for Turkey’s national team, is a player attracting serious interest after some stunning performances for the Turkish Super Lig giants, registering four goals and five assists from 48 games in all competitions.
According to Milliyet [24 June], a “serious” transfer offer, which is understood to be in the region of £17.2million, is being prepared by the Toffees.
However, Everton face a battle with Fulham for his signature this summer, according to the report.
While Fenerbahce want to keep hold of the 23-year-old, they may be forced to cash in due to “attractive” offers.
With Everton boss Sean Dyche desperately looking to strengthen his squad this summer, there are several positions in his rather imbalanced squad that needs serious addressing, and one of those positions is at left full-back.
The Toffees were forced to deploy several square pegs in round holes in the position at times last season, with Ben Godfrey and the departing Mason Holgate asked to fill in when Ukrainian left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko was out injured.
The Toffees also had Ruben Vinagre on their books but his loan spell from Sporting had proven disastrous, featuring just four times all season last term.
If Everton are to transform their fortunes next season, then identifying a permanent fixture in the role should be high on their agenda, and Kadioglu represents the perfect fix.
Kadioglu is described as a versatile right-back option, the 23-year-old holds the unique capabilities can play on either flank in defence, at wing back and even in the wide-attacking positions, owing to his tremendous positional understanding and influence both in the attacking third and defensive third.
Only centre-back Attila Szalai played more top-flight minutes than the young defender last season, showcasing what an indispensable and durable asset he is for Fenerbache.
Everton certainly need such an asset, given the number of injuries they suffered in their rather disastrous campaign, only beating off relegation by the skin of their teeth on the final day.
Kadioglu chipped in with three goals and four assists, completing the 22/23 campaign as one of Fenerbache’s best-performing players per 90 according to WhoScored.
The Turk also averaged their joint-highest rate of tackles per 90 at the back, and his superb metrics from the 2022/23 campaign don’t stop there.
Kadioglu has proven an excellent and complete commodity for Fenerbache both in attack and defence, ranking in the 79th percentile of full-backs in Europe’s top-eight divisions for shot-creating actions per 90, 87th percentile for progressive carries per 90 and 94th percentile for crosses into the penalty area.
His defensive efforts rank him amongst the best on the continent, ranking in the 99th percentile for tackles won per 90, 91st percentile for tackles in the defensive third and 99th percentile for tackles in the attacking third [FBRef] showcasing his tough-tackling and high-intensity style in all areas of the pitch.
Possessing such utility players who can perform exceptionally in all positions is a dream and Dyche would certainly be relishing the prospect of working with him. It would be a smart and statement acquisition if Everton were to pull this impressive transfer off this summer.