Why Everton signing Allan would be a step in the right direction
According to a report from Italian journalist Niccolo Ceccarini (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton have emerged as the most likely destination for Napoli midfielder Allan. The Brazilian has been linked with the Toffees ever since Carlo Ancelotti took over the reins at the club. And he could be on his way to Goodison Park this summer, as per the report.
The 29-year-old started out at Brazilian club Madureira and had a couple of loan spells at Vasco da Gama before he signed for Uruguayan outfit Maldonado in 2011. He had another loan spell at Vasco da Gama before he was snapped up by Granada in 2012. He spent the next couple of seasons out on loan at Serie A side Udinese, before making the transfer permanent in 2014.
After making 116 appearances for the club, in which he scored twice and assisted 14, he joined Napoli in the summer of 2015. Till date, the Brazilian has racked up 203 appearances for the Partenopei, bagging 10 goals and 16 assists.
Everton lack consistent performers in midfield
Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Fabian Delph were brought in as midfield reinforcements last summer. But the former has been out injured for almost the entirety of the season, while the latter has struggled with form and fitness too.
Morgan Schneiderlin has also been very much inconsistent as is the case with Tom Davies. Andre Gomes is the only one who has shown some quality, even though he missed a large chunk of the campaign with an injury. Hence, it becomes very important for Everton to add a quality, consistent performer to their midfield unit in the summer. And signing Allan would achieve just that for them.
The 29-year-old has been plying his trade at the top level in the Serie A for almost eight years now. He has been a consistent performer for Napoli since joining the club. In his first four seasons with the Partenopei, Allan missed just 17 Serie A matches, highlighting his importance to the team.
Allan has endured an injury-riddled campaign in 2019/20. But he has been a permanent fixture in the side when fit and available. So far, he has featured 24 times in all competitions, scoring and assisting one goal each.
A veteran of 382 career appearances, a major portion of which have come in the Serie A, Allan is vastly experienced and would only boost the quality of Everton’s midfield unit. At 29, he still has a few years at the top level left in him. He would be a solid signing for the Toffees.
Read More
- Why Everton must land Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg soon
- Opinion: Why Adam Lallana could be an excellent stop-gap solution for Everton
- Why Everton must secure the signing of Mohammed Kudus
Verdict
Everton’s current crop of central midfielders have underperformed over the course of the 2019/20 season. Hence, signing someone like Allan, who is experienced and a proven performer, would be a wise move by the Toffees.
Having worked with Ancelotti at Napoli, the Brazilian would fit in well into the scheme of things at Goodison Park. His arrival would add more quality and depth to the Everton side.
