Everton are in the market for a new centre-back, and the club have eyes on Kojo Peprah Oppong of Nice.
A new central defender is one of Everton’s priorities this summer, and the latest injury for Jarrad Branthwaite perhaps further increases the need for a new signing.
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Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr
Credit: Getty Images/Yasser Bakhsh
Branthwaite is looking at a two-month recovery period, after sustaining a hamstring injury against Liverpool.
Unfortunately, as good as Branthwaite is, his inability to stay fit is becoming a problem.
And so, it is perhaps little surprise the see links to new centre-backs emerging fairly frequently now. Especially with Michael Keane not guaranteed to stay, with his contract expiring.
It has now been claimed that Everton may turn to Ligue 1 defender Kojo Peprah Oppong.
Everton keen on Kojo Peprah Oppong, he’s set to face Jordan Pickford at the World Cup
According to the Daily Mail, Everton have been scouting Kojo Peprah Oppong, who has enjoyed a strong season over in Ligue 1 with Nice.
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So far, after joining the club last summer from Swedish side IFK Norrköping, he’s made 35 appearances for the club across all competitions, and has been one of the standout players for Nice despite a difficult season for them as a collective.
Indeed, Peprah Oppong ranks third out of all the Nice players this season in Ligue 1 in terms of average match rating on WhoScored, which offers some perspective regarding his consistency.
Kojo Peprah Oppong playing for Ghana.
Photo by Markus Gilliar – GES Sportfoto/Getty Images
Interestingly, there could be an opportunity for Everton fans to get a good look at Peprah Oppong soon, because he’ll be heading to the World Cup with Ghana.
Ghana, of course, are in England’s group, so he’s set to face Jordan Pickford – and potentially James Garner too.
The Daily Mail describe him ahead of the tournament as ‘one of the continent’s most interesting young centre backs’, and that his value ‘has climbed to about £10m since moving to France’.
Everton may want to wrap up deal before World Cup
World Cup’s have the potential to really inflate the asking prices of players.
Millions of eyes will be on this tournament, which serves as a major platform for footballers looking to secure moves away, and for clubs looking to hike up their valuations.
Everton have an interest in Peprah Oppong ahead of the tournament. But it might be in the club’s best interests to try and get him signed up before he heads to North America.
It is such a big summer for Everton ad the club do have cash to spend after a quiet January. But it will still be important to get value for money, and not pay over the odds for certain players – especially one’s who are still prospects.
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