Marash Kumbulla was one of the standout performers for Hellas Verona last season (Getty Images)
According to Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, via Sports Lens (h/t The Daily Post), Everton had sent scouts to watch defender Marash Kumbulla during Hellas Verona’s 0-0 draw with Udinese last month.
Marash Kumbulla, 20, has emerged as one of the finest young players in Serie A this season, having only made his senior debut at the start of the campaign. He has made 18 appearances so far, scoring a goal. The Albanian has helped Verona achieve the joint-third-best meanest defence in the Serie A, conceding only 24 goals in as many games.
It is claimed that the likes of Inter Milan, Borussia Dortmund and Napoli are keen to sign Kumbulla, who is rated at around €30m by Hellas Verona. (h/t The Daily Post)
Meanwhile, Everton are placed 11th in the Premier League table. Carlo Ancelotti has turned the Merseyside club’s fortunes, instilling a winning mentality amongst his players. Whether or not Everton secure European qualification remains to be seen but the Italian tactician should start planning for next season.
One area Ancelotti should prioritize addressing is the defence, with Everton leaking 42 goals in 28 games. Neither Michael Keane nor Yerry Mina has performed consistently at the back. Mason Holgate is the only defender to emerge with some credit in what has been a difficult season for the Toffees.
Everton are in need of a centre-back in the summer, having just Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Mason Holgate as options as things stand. The lack of depth in the area needs to be addressed and to that end, Marash Kumbulla would be a smart fit at Goodison Park.
Kumbulla is an exciting young defender who has performed really well in what has been his breakthrough campaign with Hellas Verona.
The youngster has been a huge presence at the back for Hellas Verona, helping the club to eighth in the table. They are unbeaten in their last five Serie A games, with Kumbulla completing 90 minutes in each of those. He would undoubtedly strengthen Everton’s defensive unit, whilst bringing depth to Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.
Kumbulla has shown his ability to perform consistently for Hellas Verona this season and would be a valuable long-term asset to Everton if he is able to replicate the same form he has shown in the Serie A.
The Toffees are in major need of some fresh centre-back options next season and a promising, young defender like Kumbulla would be a smart addition to Ancelotti’s side. Thus, the Royal Blues must do everything possible to sign the Albanian international in the summer.
