Transfer Story
Leicester City need to dig deep and cough up a fair amount of cash if they are to secure the signing of 3 times Premier League winner Jonny Evans from West Bromwich Albion. After an initial tentative bid, Leicester have been asked to cough up double that amount which is £20m or else to drop the idea of signing Evans.
Baggies officials earlier were quite staunch in their stance to claim that the Northern Ireland International was not for sale. But recent reports claim that with the rising interest in the ex-Man Utd player, the Baggies are looking to milk as much as they can from the sale of the 29-year-old.
With only 2 years left on Evans’ contract and the player approaching 30, a price of £20m might be as good as it gets for the Baggies.
Craig Shakespeare is looking to make a statement with the Foxes next season after being handed the full-time responsibility of Leicester City FC and he is immediately looking to bolster his backline with the Champions League winner, Evans.
Player Stats
Although mostly unimpressive with the Red Devils under Louis Van Gaal’s regime, the Norther Ireland International has certainly made strides in his defensive prowess and had been a key figure for the Baggies at the back.
The 29-year-old had featured 31 times for West Brom this season scoring 2 goals and 1 assist in the process. The player has certainly made good progress in his aerial dominance and has been a permanent figure at the back.
The ex-Man Utd player has also maintained a stellar pass success rate of 79.1% and has gone on to make 8 key passes for the Baggies. Certainly an impressive feat for a central defender.
His tackle success rate of 70.49% and a total of 74 interceptions just goes to show how far the player has developed from his Man Utd days. (Stats via WhoScored)
What’ll he offer the Club?
Certainly, in need to plug all defensive loopholes at the King Power Stadium, Craig’s shortlisting of Evans does make credible sense. Leicester had conceded an embarrassing 63 goals in their title defence campaign last season which saw them end up 12th on the table.
They certainly need to infuse some physical dominance and vigour in the backline which they are sure to get from Evans. Also with the Norther Irishman’s ability to pass and build up play from the back, he might provide the team with the calmness and composure that the Foxes heavily require at the moment.
Certainly a justifiable addition to the club, one must admit.
Worth the Money?
Taking into account that the individual is 29 and approaching 30, the price of £20m does seem a bit steep but it is something that we have seen in past transfer windows.
Before only looking at the player’s age one must look into his extensive experience and exposure of playing at the back and that too at the top level for many years. The player also has a vast array of medals and honours to his name which goes to show his knowledge and expertise of playing football at the top level.
Certainly, a shrewd transfer target worth every penny, if Craig Shakespeare manages to seal it through to the end!
