Everton or Bournemouth? Where should Genoa sensation Diego Laxalt go?
According to The Sun, Premier League sides Everton and Bournemouth could launch bids in the region of £18million for Uruguay World Cup star Diego Laxalt. Fellow top-flight rivals Crystal Palace are also weighing up a move for the Genoa wing-back. The Eagles want a replacement for Wilfried Zaha, who has been heavily linked with a move away from Selhurst Park.
Laxalt came through Uruguayan side Defensor Sporting’s youth ranks. The 25-year-old started his career with Defensor, making 15 appearances . He completed a move to Inter Milan in 2013 but he endured a miserable stint at San Siro Stadium. He failed to break into the Inter Milan starting line-up, serving loan spells at Bologna and Empoli. During his loan stints, Laxalt made 22 appearances, scoring 3 goals and providing a single assist. Eventually, Genoa signed him on a permanent deal in 2016.
The player quickly established himself at Genoa, making 117 appearances and scoring 8 goals while assisting a further 12. A natural left-midfielder, Laxalt excelled for Uruguay in the 2018 World Cup despite being deployed as a left-back.
Everton are currently lacking in the left-back position with club veteran Leighton Baines their only recognized player for that role. The defender often uses his pace and crossing skills to cause problems in the final third, while tracking back to diligently carry out his defensive duties. Meanwhile, the Cherries are looking for cover and competition for Charlie Daniels.
Sam Allardyce may have steadied Everton’s ship but now, it is Marco Silva’s time to make an impact at Goodison Park. To that end, signing Laxalt from Genoa would be a shrewd piece of business. Given his skills and abilities, he could thrive under a manager of Silva’s calibre.
Hence, Everton are simply the most ideal club for Laxalt, whose looks and locks will definitely remind the Blues’ fans of Steven Pienaar.
