11 Jul 2026 08:57:12
I've been looking through the stats from a few different leagues from last season to see if there are any centre backs Everton should be looking at, and these are the ones that stood out to me.
Ryan Flamingo (23, PSV, €14m) is probably the one I'd go for if we could get him. He's quick, good on the ball, wins plenty of duels and still has loads of room to improve. For around €14m he looks like the smart, forward thinking signing we never seem to make at the right time.
Matte Smets (22, Genk, €10m) is another who looks a proper player. He reads the game well, wins his headers and is comfortable stepping out with the ball. Still young, still improving, and €10m isn't a bad fee at all for someone with his profile.
Leo Greiml (25, NAC Breda, €900k) is a bit of a wildcard. He's had injury problems, but for around €1m he's the sort of low risk punt that can quietly turn into a bargain. Not saying he'd walk straight into the team, but there's not much risk at that price.
Gonçalo Inácio (24, Sporting, €40m) is probably the best player on the list. Left footed, calm on the ball and already proven at a high level. The only problem is the price, as I can't see Everton spending that sort of money unless someone big leaves.
Nathan Zézé (21, Neom SC, €20m) is another interesting one. Big, athletic and left footed. He's probably more of a signing for the future, but you can see why clubs have been keeping an eye on him.
If we wanted someone with a bit more experience, Joseph Okumu (29, Stade Reims, €3m) looks like a bargain. He's strong, quick enough and for that sort of fee I think he'd be a solid signing.
Rasmus Lauritsen (30, Brøndby, €1m) would be another cheap option. Experienced, good in the air and reliable. Probably more of a squad player in the Premier League, but at €1m he's hardly a gamble.
Kobe Cools (28, FCV Dender, €600k) is another one that caught my eye. For around €600k there's very little risk, and he looks like someone who could do a job as a squad player.
Out of all of them, Flamingo is the one I'd be trying hardest to sign. Young, good value and I think he'd suit the Premier League.
11 Jul 2026 10:04:28
I've heard that Ryan Flamingo is so good he can play the game standing on one foot.
11 Jul 2026 11:02:33
If he turns out to be rubbish, he wouldn't have a leg to stand on..
11 Jul 2026 11:08:26
Haha, love it, JB. He would give us some balance at the back when the rest of the team falls over, and he would fit right in wearing one of them pink/salmon tops we bring out.
12 Jul 2026 11:09:38
Ah, if only stats won you matches.