Barcelona could be the verge of offloading Lucas Digne with Premier League giants Everton closing in on the capture of the Frenchman.
According to Goal, Everton are all set to complete the signing of Lucas Digne. The Barcelona defender has been linked with a move away from Camp Nou this summer with Everton tipped to secure his services in the coming days. It is believed that the Toffees have agreed to pay around €25 million euros for the Frenchman including add-ons.
Although there has been a substantial delay in the completion of the deal, Evertonians are already keen on the prospect of Digne’s arrival. The talented fullback, who just turned 25 last week, will be a valued addition to the squad given their plethora of problems in the defensive department.
Digne himself will be glad to have finally left Nou Camp following a wretched spell at Catalonia. Initially arriving from PSG in the summer of 2016, the 25-year-old has been amongst one of the most unwanted players at Barcelona in the past couple of seasons.
In fact, the Frenchman featured in a handful of only 29 league games during his two-year spell at Barcelona. Last season, he played only 12 league games, only eight of which were starts.
Although former manager Luis Enrique had a keen interest on the former AS Roma defender, it is believed that current coach Ernesto Valverde doesn’t have any plans with Digne for the upcoming season. Thus, a move away from Barcelona was the most logical move for the 25-year-old.
Everton, on the other hand, will be boosted by the addition of Digne, following their lack of depth in the fullback department. Reports have been rife regarding the expected the departure of veteran defender Leighton Baines.
The 33-year-old has already been offered a move to a host of MLS clubs and a transfer away from Goodison Park is still on the cards this summer.
Additionally, Everton also lack options in the left-back position, with Brendan Galloway being their only reliable choice in that position. Therefore, Lucas Digne will certainly become a good replacement for the ageing Baines whilst also infusing some youthful exuberance into this Everton side.
Blessed with immense technical qualities, the Frenchman is an ideal fit under the tactical philosophy of new manager Marco Silva. His ability to provide threat from wider positions thanks to his intelligence and mobility will prove to be very useful, especially in the Premier League.
Simply put, Digne is exactly the player Silva was looking for as he seeks to usher in a new era at Everton. Although, Barcelona will also be happy to have stripped off another one of their unwanted players as they to aim to conquer Europe next season.
