As reported by The Daily Mail, Everton are interested in signing Bayer Leverkusen defender Wendell this summer.
What’s the story?
With the arrival of Marco Silva, the Toffees are expected to be busy in this summer’s transfer window as he looks to stamp his authority on a squad that massively under-achieved last season.
One player on Silva’s radar is 24-year-old Brazilian Wendell, who currently plays for Bundesliga outfit Bayer Leverkusen.
That’s according to The Mail, who report that he is valued by the German club at £32m.
With Leighton Baines now 33 years of age, is the left-back the kind of player who could replace Baines’ immense contribution to the Everton squad over the last 11 seasons?
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Is he good enough for the Toffees?
Wendell made the move to Europe from his homeland in 2014 and has become a firm fixture in Leverkusen’s starting eleven, making close to 150 appearances for the club since joining.
With extensive experience both in the German top-flight and the UEFA Champions League, he certainly ticks boxes in that regard for the Toffees, especially since he is still young at 24 years of age.
His defensive contribution to the German side is notable, with his 2.1 tackles per game average almost Leighton Baines’ 1.1 tackle average in the Premier League last season, as demonstrated by WhoScored.
With a higher pass accuracy percentage than the Everton stalwart and a 1 key pass per game average too, it’s clear he can be capable outlet on the left flank in attack too, complementing his defensive abilities.
He’s a player who would initially add real competition and depth to the left-back position and in time appears to be a viable long-term successor to Baines.
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