The Athletic’s Patrick Boyland has been discussing Everton’s signing of young defender Niels Nkounkou on a free transfer from Olympique de Marseille.
In early July, it was announced by the club that the left-back had signed for the Toffees on a three-year deal after his contract with Marseille expired in June (per Everton).
The 19-year-old sealed his move to Merseyside despite having never played a first-team match for his former club (per Transfermarkt).
In the latest episode of The Athletic’s Gwlad Tidings podcast, Boyland shed some light on the abilities of the defender.
He said: “I think Nkounkou’s quite an interesting prospect. Obviously, not only is he Everton’s first signing of the summer, but he’s also somebody that they had to battle hard to sign in the first place.
“We earn our corn by speaking to people close to the player, speaking to people that have watched him time and time again for Marseille B. What developed quite quickly was a picture of somebody who was talented, but just hadn’t really had much of an opportunity at Marseille.
“It seems as though he wasn’t given the assurances that he would have a clear pathway to the first team. He was behind Jordan Amavi, the ex-Aston Villa defender, and a few others in the pecking order.
“Everton came to the table, a host of other European sides did, and where Everton were able to win this battle was in showing Nkounkou and his representatives that they had the best route to the first team.
“[Carlo] Ancelotti made a personal call to Nkounkou and his representatives, he outlined the vision for the player. I think there was something about how if Nkounkou worked hard, he could go on to become a top full-back and they were convinced of his abilities.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, it seems that the signing of the 19-year-old left-back could prove to be quite the coup for the Toffees as there were other clubs interested in the player.
Do you think signing promising youngsters with a view to developing them is a good strategy?
No, we need better players
Yes, it is a good strategy
With Leighton Baines’ contract extension for next season yet to be resolved (per Sky Sports), if the veteran defender does not stay at Goodison Park, that could perhaps offer Nkounkou an immediate opportunity.