Everton to take gamble with transfer for player who is a ‘concern’ for Manuel Pellegrini
David Moyes certainly won’t want Everton to spend unnecessarily in the winter transfer window.
While it would make sense for the Toffees to strengthen some positions, they should be careful with who they target.
A new striker should arguably be a priority for The Friedkin Group at the Hill Dickinson Stadium amid Thierno Barry and Beto’s goalscoring struggles.
The Merseyside outfit also seem to be looking at bolstering their defence, with Real Betis centre-back Natan on Moyes’ radar, but the Blues may want to go back to the drawing board.
Everton to rethink Natan transfer after display vs Barcelona
Natan was all over the place for Betis as they were beaten 5-3 at home in LaLiga by Barcelona on 6 December.
The Brazilian ace lasted just 60 minutes against the reigning Spanish champions, with 50 per cent passing accuracy in the opposition half, and only 33 per cent of his long balls were accurate, as per Sofascore.
Natan lost two of his three tackles and two of his seven duels in the defeat and lost possession five times before being replaced by Junior Firpo.
The 24-year-old’s defending was also suspect as Roony Bardghji scored Barcelona’s third in the 31st minute, and Manuel Pellegrini has recently expressed concerns about the centre-back’s disciplinary record.
Speaking via ABC on 27 September, the Betis manager said: “It’s always a big concern when a player receives so many yellow cards, especially since we have injured centre-backs. We’ll see if he tries to receive fewer.”
Depth at centre defence is arguably the least of the Toffees’ concerns, with Jake O’Brien capable of playing at centre-back for Moyes, and it remains to be seen whether they will rethink their stance on Natan’s transfer.
How much will Natan cost at Hill Dickinson Stadium?
Natan may be a gamble for Moyes, as Betis are seeking a significant sum for the defender.
The LaLiga outfit signed the Brazilian national for around £8million in the summer after his successful loan spell from Napoli and are looking to make a hefty profit on him.
With Natan establishing himself as a key player at the Estadio Benito Villamarin, the Spanish club have set a £26m price tag on him.
There is an argument that the defender may be an investment for the future at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, as James Tarkowski and Michael Keane reach the end of their career, and his situation will be worth keeping an eye on in L4.
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