Gonzalo Avila 'Pipa' of RCD Espanyol duels for the ball with Diego Llorente of Real Sociedad during the Copa del Rey Round of 32 match between Real Sociedad and RCD Espanyol. (Getty Images)
Back in July 2019, the Daily Mail had claimed that Everton were interested in signing Real Sociedad defender Diego Llorente. However, no deal materialized last summer.
Diego Llorente, 26, was previously on the books of Real Madrid but ended up leaving Los Blancos after failing to break into the first-team. The defender has made 19 appearances for Real Sociedad this season, bagging two assists.
The 26-year-old’s impressive performances have seen him break into the Spanish national team. He has represented Spain on five occasions so far. Given his consistent performances for Sociedad in the La Liga for the last couple of seasons, Everton must rekindle their interest in Llorente during the summer transfer window.
The Toffees’ form has been indifferent over the last few weeks, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men failing to win in their last three league games. After a positive 1-1 draw with high-flying Manchester United at Goodison Park, they were given a 4-0 hiding by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge last weekend.
On the whole, 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 46 goals in 29 games. None of Michael Keane, Yerry Mina and Mason Holgate has performed consistently at the back. Plus, there’s a lack of depth in that department and that needs to be addressed. To that end, Diego Llorente would be a smart fit at Goodison Park.
Llorente has been a regular in Sociedad’s defence over the last two seasons, making 27 and 21 appearances respectively. He has gained good experience in La Liga and at the age of 26, the Spaniard is at the right age to take the next big step in his career. His inclusion in the Toffees squad would also bring in healthy competition, which can be a good sign for the team’s progress.
Despite the lack of experience playing outside Spain, Llorente has been a reliable performer for Sociedad over the last couple of seasons and has the ability to succeed at a higher level. He can be useful for Everton if he is able to replicate the same form, and learn under the guidance of Ancelotti.
Everton’s inconsistent performance has everything to do with the lack of quality in defence and therefore, Ancelotti should bring in players who can add quality as well as depth to the squad. And Llorente would be a good fit as he is entering the prime stages of his career.
The Spanish international would be a valuable asset to the Merseysiders if he is able to replicate the same form he has shown in La Liga.
Following Everton’s struggles at the back this term, Ancelotti must prioritise fixing the defence and should do everything possible to sign Llorente in the summer.
