OPINION
Marcel Brands could seal a masterstroke if Everton were to sign Getafe centre-back Djené Daknoman this summer as the Merseyside club reportedly gets ready to bid for the Togo international.
According to Spanish news outlet Marca, Everton have joined Arsenal in the race to sign the 27-year-old, who was one of the most impressive defenders in La Liga last season as Getafe finished in an unexpected fifth place.
It is understood that the defender has a release clause worth £31.1million in his contract and Getafe are unwilling to sell him for any less than that this summer.
However that fee is something that Everton should jump to cover because Djené will be a top quality addition to Marco Silva’s defence this summer if director of football Brands is able to strike a deal.
Djené made 38 appearances in all competitions for Getafe last season, helping them keep a defensive record that was only bettered by Atletico Madrid in La Liga. Yes, Djené was part of a defence that conceded less goals than what Gerard Pique managed at Barcelona and what Sergio Ramos managed at Real Madrid.
He helped Getafe keep 12 clean sheets in all competitions and has some impressive stats to go with his season too.
According to WhoScored, Djené averaged 1.6 tackles, 2.2 interceptions and 4.4 clearances per match.
Kurt Zouma, who was arguably Everton’s most impressive centre-back last season, averaged 1.0 tackle, 1.7 interceptions and 3.8 clearances in his Premier League appearances.
Djené has been super impressive at Getafe and Everton should definitely try to push the boat out to sign up the Togolese defender this summer before Arsenal are able to sink their teeth into that tempting release clause.