Everton are reportedly interested in signing €10 million-rated versatile Juventus centre-back Koni De Winter during the ongoing summer transfer window.
According to Calciomercatoweb, Everton are among the clubs interested in signing Juventus utility man Koni De Winter as manager Sean Dyche looks to add more robustness to his backline.
Everton’s defence could undergo major surgery this summer. Yerry Mina was in the final year of his contract, and before the last game of the 2022/23 season, he made it public that he would leave the club. He has since left the building, while Conor Coady’s loan was not converted to a permanent deal despite a relatively low option-to-buy of just £4.5 million.
The futures of Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey also remain in doubt as the Toffees look to trim the underperforming squad. Holgate, in particular, has been linked with moves to newly-promoted Sheffield United and heavy-spenders Nottingham Forest.
If Holgate does leave Everton, Dyche will be left with James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Godfrey as his central defence options. With a flurry of changes in the central defence, it looks like the Merseysiders could look for another centre-back as Juventus defender De Winter remains on their wishlist, having already enquired about the defender earlier this summer.
The 21-year-old centre-back came through the academy ranks of Juventus but spent last season with Serie A side Empoli on loan as he looked to pick up some much-needed experience at the top level. Unfortunately, he missed a chunk of the last term due to an injury but still managed to catch the eye in his 14 top-flight outings.
As such, De Winter has no shortage of suitors in the transfer market this summer. Genoa are currently said to be in pole position and are close to agreeing a loan deal to sign De Winter. However, Juventus want Genoa to agree to a hefty €10 million obligation to buy in the deal.
Genoa, meanwhile, are only willing to include the obligation if they avoid relegation in the upcoming campaign. With the talks between the Rossoblu and Juve in advanced stages, it looks like Everton will not have their hands on the 21-year-old unless they decide to swoop in and hijack the Di Winter to Genoa move.
The Merseysiders need a reliable partner for Tarkowski. Keane and Godfrey have been decent but have been very inconsistent. Branthwaite, who enjoyed a successful loan spell with PSV Eindhoven last term, will be assessed during pre-season, and a decision will be made about his future. Meanwhile, he has attracted interest from Manchester United. As things stand, it is highly unlikely Everton will be able to sign De Winter.
