Everton have now entered the hotly contested race to sign Brighton and England defender Ben White. White excelled in his first full season in the Premier League last time around, which has earned him plaudits as well as a call-up to the England national team for the Euros.
As per Daily Mail, the Toffees have made a bid of £50 million plus add-ons for the 23-year-old centre-back. Arsenal’s bid of around £42 million for the England international was rejected by the Seagulls, who want £50 million for him. The report claims that White wants to leave the club as part of an agreement with the club when he signed his contract last year. He was told he would be allowed to leave if an offer came in for him from a top 6 club.
White, who spent the 2019-20 season on loan in the Championship with Leeds United, has three years remaining on his current deal. He made 39 appearances for Brighton in all competitions last season.
Ben White: Is he worth the fuss?
Ben White’s stock has risen considerably over the last six months, following his solid performances for Brighton. The Englishman is a modern centre-back who likes to bring the ball out from the back, while also possessing the ability to pass well from defence. The 23-year-old averaged 48.5 passes per game in the league last season, while also successfully attempting 2.3 long balls per game, which is impressive while playing for a side with relatively limited resources like Brighton.
White is also a good reader of the game in defensive situations, using his pace and awareness to make key interceptions. He made an average of 1.4 tackles and 1.7 interceptions per game in the league last season. He has got all the ingredients to be a top-class Premier League defender.
Everton would benefit hugely from the signing of a player of White’s caliber and potential. New Toffees manager Rafael Benitez likes to play a defensive style of football, with emphasis on building methodically and addressing the strengths of opponents. A technically sound player like Ben White would fit in well in Benitez’s style of play, which requires a strong ball-playing defender who can also be a leader at the back.
The Toffees currently have Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey as options in central defence. All four are below 28 years of age and were frequently rotated last season, with Godfrey and Holgate also playing at right-back. Benitez may use both defenders in the full-back position, which would require another centre-back option. White could also be an important addition if Benitez decides to change formation and play with three central defenders at the back.
Everton should continue their attempts to sign Ben White as he is a player with a lot of potential and a move to a rival team could work against the Toffees.
