Everton barking up wrong tree as summer deal lined up for Diego Leite
Everton are said to be considering the signing of Diego Leite.
The Toffees’ squad needs a lot of work this summer, and even more so if several of those linked with exits do indeed depart.
Adding more cover at the back will be one of two priorities, with David Moyes likely to be eyeing more quality in the final third as the top priority.
Leite has been linked with a move to Merseyside at the end of the campaign, which is when his deal at Union Berlin expires.
However, while Everton will see sense behind a move, there is a far more reasonable decision to be made.
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Diego Leite’s season by the numbers
Leite would be a solid enough addition for the Toffees, who certainly need to bring another left-footed centre-back in this summer.
And on a free transfer, Leite would be a smart target.
| Bundesliga | Leite |
| Games | 23 |
| Chances created | 9 |
| Successful dribbles | 6 |
| Duels won | 126 |
| Dribbled past | 12 |
The 27-year-old has played his part in five Bundesliga clean sheets this season, with only four per cent of centre-backs having made more interceptions than him.
However, his ability on the ball is where he falls short, with Leite having completed just 76.5 per cent of his passes, a stat which places him among the bottom six per cent of Bundesliga defenders.
And with a Union Berlin teammate of his also out of contract this summer, it’s clear who would be the better signing.
Everton have incentive to push for Danilho Doekhi
Defensive cover will be added, though Moyes will want the arrivals to have the ability to compete for a starting place.
Question marks would emerge about Leite’s ability to do that, though Danilho Doekhi would be a great shout.
The Dutchman is also out of contract this summer, attracting interest from several Premier League clubs as a result of the season he has had.
Doekhi has won more aerial duels than any other Bundesliga defender this season, while also having won the most duels in total.
With Union Berlin’s success cleary on Everton’s radar, a move for Doekhi would make far more sense.
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