Former Everton defender Yerry Mina is reportedly linked with a move to Fulham on a free transfer.
The Colombian international, 28, is a free agent following the end of his five-year association with Everton, although he is keen to stay in England. The Toffees decided against handing him a new deal after his previous contract had expired earlier this month.
According to The Sun, Fulham are looking to thrash out a deal to sign Yerry Mina. They like the defender as a squad player and are expected to swoop in if one of their centre-backs leave, with Tosin Adarabioyo linked with an exit.
Mina joined Everton for £27.2million from Barcelona in the summer of 2018. However, a raft of injuries curtailed his progress and he could only manage 86 Premier League appearances during his five-year stay at the Goodison Park.
Yerry Mina to Fulham
Marco Silva is keen to build on an impressive 2022-23 season but will need significant backing from the club’s owners this summer. Fulham’s defence is an area Silva must prioritise addressing with Tosin Adarabioyo linked with an exit.
Adarabioyo was an important part of Silva’s defence as he featured 25 times last term. He has been identified as an alternative to Marc Guehi by new Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou. Adarabioyo has just one year remaining on his deal and the Cottagers are likely to cash in on him this summer.
In that case, Marco Silva will have to adequately replace Adarabioyo in his squad, and he has identified Yerry Mina as a potential target. Mina is currently without a club after leaving Everton at the end of last season. And after talks to sign for a Turkish club collapsed over his wage demands, Fulham are now expected to make an offer to keep him in the Premier League.
Right move by the club?
However, we feel the west Londoners should avoid considering an approach for Mina’s services.
Marco Silva is aiming for players who would take his current team to the next level. In that regard, Mina doesn’t fit Fulham’s requirement. The Colombian defender made just seven Premier League appearances throughout the last season, mainly due to an ankle injury he suffered at the start of the campaign that sidelined him for three months. A lack of reliable form and consistency after he attained full fitness meant the likes of Conor Coady, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane were regularly preferred over him.
Mina’s time in England hasn’t gone as per the plan. Since his debut campaign with Everton, the 28-year-old has constantly battled with injuries. He has managed less than 100 appearances across all competitions for the Toffees in five seasons, which is a clear indication as to why the Merseyside club decided to release him upon the expiry of his contract.
Adding an injury-prone and inconsistent defender who often plays on the edge is precisely the opposite of what Fulham should be looking to do, even if Silva knows Yerry Mina well during their time together at Everton. Even if it is on a free transfer, the Cottagers must stay away from Mina and target another defender to potentially replace Adarabioyo.