Next season will be the start of a new era for Everton.
On Sunday, the Toffees played their 2,791th and final match at Goodison Park, waving goodbye to their home since 1894 with a 2-0 victory over Southampton; Iliman Ndiaye the scorer of a first half brace.
So, come August, the Blues will commence the new campaign at their new home at Bramley-Moore Dock, with a renewed sense of optimism, given that the team have stabilised since David Moyes' return, while new owners the Friedkin Group offer hope for the future too.
However, with one of Everton's most-prized assets, potentially, on his way out this summer, have they already identified an ideal replacement?
Everton targeting defensive reinforcements
According to a report in Africa Foot, Everton are 'considering' making a move to sign defender Sinaly Diomandé, adding that 'negotiations between the various parties are... underway'.
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Indeed, the report adds that the Toffees are said to have 'begun talks' with the player's representatives regarding a potential move.
The 24-year-old Côte d'Ivoire international began his career at Olympique Lyonnais, making 85 appearances for les Gones, before joining Auxerre last summer on a free transfer, albeit, according to L’Équipe, Lyon will receive 50% of any future sale.
sinaly-diomande-auxerre
So, could the young defender be on the move again, this time to Merseyside?
How Diomande compares to Jarrad Branthwaite
Once again, as was the case last summer, Jarrad Branthwaite's name features prominently in the transfer rumour mill.
jarrad Branthwaite-1
Mick Brown of Football Insider claims that Chelsea are 'considering' a move to sign the centre-back, while it would be no surprise to see Manchester United come back into the equation this summer.
A year ago, as noted by Andy Hunter and Ben Fisher of the Guardian, Everton rejected two bids from Man United, the second of which was worth £50m, with Branthwaite valued at closer to £70m.
Nevertheless, even if Everton stand firm, interest in the England international will remain.
So, would Diomandé be a good replacement? Well, let's find out.
Jarrad Branthwaite vs Sinaly Diomandé 2024/25 comparison
Statistics
Appearanes
Minutes
Pass accuracy %
Successful tackles
Clearances
Interceptions
Blocked shots
Ball recoveries
Duels contested
Duels won
% of aerial duels won
% of ground duels won
Touches per 90
Average Sofascore Rating
Statistics courtesy of Transfermarkt, Squawa and SofaScore
As the table outlines, the duo's statistics are very similar across the board, with Branthwaite having the slight edge overall, albeit Diomandé does boast a better passing accuracy, while also registering more tackles and interceptions, as well as more touches per game.
One analyst noted that Diomandé is a talented youngster who has "shown some great things" during his time in Ligue 1, while Sébastien Denis of Foot Mercato believes he has "incredible qualities".
Meantime, João Ruivo of Total Football Analysis praises his aerial prowess as well as his ability to register plenty of interceptions, assertions that are supported by the data, while Dom Corrigan of Target Scouting is impressed by his 'calming presence', adding that he is 'capable of brilliant last ditch defending'.
jarrad-branthwaite-everton
Thus, it is clear that Diomandé is a young defender with serious potential, so, given Everton's ongoing financial constraints, if they're able to secure him at a cut-price, he could be an excellent addition to fill Branthwaite's possible void.
Everton - Goodison Park-1 Related
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The Toffees are now in the frame to sign a centre-back, who is attracting widespread interest from the Premier League.