Everton have endured a mixed first season under Marco Silva in the Premier League.
The Toffees have at times impressed, most notably in their recent 2-0 win against Chelsea at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.
However, they have struggled to shake off inconsistency throughout the campaign, and find themselves in the underwhelmingly low position of 11th, with only 40 points from 31 games.
Marco Silva’s side have spent big in recent transfer windows but will likely need to add more quality to the ranks in the summer.
Everton have leaked goals all too freely throughout the season, and the acquisitions of high-quality defenders will be on the wishlist of the manager ahead of his second campaign at Goodison.
So, take a look at some defensive players who the Toffees should consider pursuing!
Djene Dakonam
Djene has been excellent for Getafe in central defence over the past two seasons. He is among La Liga’s most underrated players and would be a clever addition for Everton.
Kevin Malcuit
Malcuit is only a rotational option at Napoli and would add a strong, versatile defender to Everton’s ranks. He is primarily a right-back but can also play on the left, offering competition to Seamus Coleman and Lucas Digne.
Willi Orban
Orban has displayed leadership qualities and defensive capabilities at the back for RB Leipzig. He’d improve the central defenders at Silva’s disposal.
Andreas Christensen
Christensen has been unfairly frozen out at Chelsea. He could leave Stamford Bridge this summer and would be an upgrade on Everton’s central defensive options.
Hugo Mallo
Celta Vigo could be relegated from La Liga this season, but Mallo would provide a reliable option for Everton. He’d be a good competitor for Coleman at right-back.
Jonathan Tah
Tah would be an astute signing for Everton. He’d add a quality central defender to the ranks and is the type of signing that the Toffees require if they are to kick on in the coming years.
Junior Firpo
Firpo has been excellent for Real Betis this season and would provide Digne with a good understudy on the left-hand side of the defence.
Gabriel Paulista
Gabriel will be remembered for his underwhelming days at Arsenal, but he has been a rejuvenated figure at Valencia. Everton would be making a shrewd signing if they were to pursue the Brazilian centre-back.
Matthias Ginter
Borussia Monchengladbach central defender Ginter would give Everton more quality at the back. He’d suit Silva’s style given his capabilities on the ball.