The Independent reported earlier that Southampton are ready to let some of their players go in order to add reinforcements and exactly the kind of stars that manager Ralph Hassenhuttl needs to save their season. This includes Manolo Gabbiadini who’s already left and Cedric Soares, who’s an Everton target as per the Daily Echo.
This makes a lot of sense for both sides, especially with Everton looking to add defensive reinforcements in the January window. The Portuguese star has been a consistent presence in Southampton’s back-line, making 102 Premier League appearances which alone makes him valuable.
For Everton however, that combined with the fact that Soares once played under current Everton boss Marco Silva during his Sporting CP days makes it that much easier to make a move.
However, the question is do they need another right-back, or will the 27-year-old play back-up to Seamus Coleman and even Jonjoe Kenny?
All the Goodison Park side need to look at is Soares’ past. When he first arrived at Southampton, his arrival wasn’t exactly high-profile with him replacing Nathaniel Clyne for the Saints. But since then, the Portuguese international has been crucial to both the St Mary’s side and his national team, making regular appearances for both.
His agility, defensive acumen and composure on the ball makes him perfect to slot straight into Silva’s side, but it’s his stamina and athleticism that will be useful to Everton. With Seamus Coleman still recovering from a double leg break, the Irishman is no longer the athlete he once was. Not to mention adding a Premier League worthy right-back is one of the man reasons why Everton are chasing after the former Sporting youth product.
The Toffees do have right-backs in their line-up, but nobody this season has been half as reliable as Soares has been for a struggling Southampton side and the 27-year-old has been among their best players this season. Plus the £15 million price tag attached to his head is a bargain for all the experience and defensive ability the Portuguese brings to the table.
If Everton don’t make a move fast, there is good chance that other Premier League sides will enter the race and Marco Silva will reject the chance of bringing in the perfect player for his system at Goodison Park.
