Why Everton signing Brandon Williams on loan would be a real boost
According to The Athletic (Subscription Required), Everton have been mentioned as genuine contenders to sign highly-rated Man United full-back Brandon Williams on loan in the January transfer window.
The 20-year-old has attracted interest from Premier League rivals Southampton and Newcastle United while Bayer Leverkusen are also understood to have made contact over his availability this month (h/t Sky Sports). However, the report claims that the Toffees could have a real chance of winning the race to sign the England U-21 international.
Williams enjoyed a fantastic debut season at Old Trafford last term, featuring 36 times in all competitions as the Red Devils finished 3rd in the Premier League and also reached the semi-finals of the Europa League.
The academy prospect grabbed his opportunities with both hands in the absence of regular left-back Luke Shaw, earning rave reviews for his development.
However, the arrival of Alex Telles in the summer coupled with Shaw’s return to fitness has pushed Williams down the pecking order under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The youngster has been limited to just 6 minutes of action in the Premier League so far.
He is also capable of operating at right-back, thanks to his right-footed nature as a defender. But Axel Tuanzebe and Victor Lindelof have been given the nod to deputise for Aaron Wan-Bissaka in that role.
Everton have problems in the full-back department
Meanwhile, Everton have had their fair share of problems in the full-back department this season. Carlo Ancelotti has been forced to utilise Ben Godfrey, essentially a centre-back by trade, on either side of the backline due to injuries to Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman.
The former Norwich City starlet has been done a decent job but his qualities are undoubtedly better utilised at centre-back. With back-up options Niels Nkounkou and Jonjoe Kenny clearly not trusted by Ancelotti, the Toffees should have one eye on fresh additions during the mid-season trading period.
Putting things into context, Everton completing a loan deal for Brandon Williams would solve some pressing concerns in the full-back department. His versatility to operate on either side of the backline and also as a wing-back would hand a significant boost to the Toffees’ squad depth and dynamics.
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Verdict
Williams needs regular game time in the Premier League to further his development, something that looks unlikely to happen at United this season. Everton are clearly short of depth and cover in both full-back departments and would be able to offer the youngster more exposure heading into a hectic second half of the campaign.
Having said that, Everton beating off competition in the race to sign the Man United starlet on loan would be a win-win situation for all parties involved.
