Back in January, Turkish outlet Sporx claimed that Everton were one of the few clubs interested in signing Besiktas defender Domagoj Vida in the winter transfer window.
The 29-year-old defender helped guide Croatia into the World Cup final before eventually losing to France last summer. He was a stellar performer for the European nation in the World Cup and has managed to replicate his performances with Besiktas in the Turkish Super Lig this season.
After Pepe’s departure to FC Porto, Domagoj Vida has taken the extra responsibility of leading the team, helping Besiktas to third in the table. With the Croat impressing in Turkey, Everton should reignite their interest in Vida and sign him up this summer.
The Merseysiders have been defensively very poor this season, with Marco Silva’s men conceding 42 goals in 31 Premier League games. Despite signing Yerry Mina from Barcelona and adding Kurt Zouma on loan last summer, the Toffees’ defence has shown very little improvement under Silva.
Michael Keane has undoubtedly been the club’s best defender this season but he needs a reliable partner alongside him next season. Also, Silva will also lose a real leader in Phil Jagielka this summer as the former England international’s contract will expire in June. Jagielka is past his prime and Everton should release the 36-year-old as expected.
With Zouma on loan from Chelsea and Mina making very little impact in his debut campaign in English football, a central defender is must for the Toffees.
Domagoj Vida could be the solution to Everton’s defensive problems, although he won’t be a long-term fix for the club. The Croat is a no-nonsense, tough-tackling defender that relishes physical and aerial battles. He is strong in the air and robust in the challenge, whilst being rarely hesitant to put his body on the line.
The 29-year-old is a very good reader of the game which makes him such a difficult defender to get past. He is a well-rounded defender that can play out from the back and will bring leadership qualities to Everton’s defensive ranks that has been lacking all this season.
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Moreover, Vida has all the qualities needed in a defender to quickly adjust to the demands of the Premier League and hit the ground running.
At 29, Vida is already performing at his peak for club and country. He is contracted at Besiktas until 2022, meaning Everton will have to shell out a reasonable amount of money to get his signature.
And if Silva manages to land his January transfer target, the Croat could at least give two-three top quality years at the highest level.