The transfer window is now in full flight – even for Everton, though, we may not be able to see it.
A transfer that has been ongoing for some while now, is John Stones’ proposed move away from Goodison Park.
Just 12 months ago, four bids were placed by Chelsea in a hope to sign the 22-year-old. Resulting in a transfer request, a move never materialised and Stones stayed.
Now a year later, interest remains in Stones, with Manchester City a real possibility this summer.
It has been reported Pep Guardiola is interested, with a fee of £50million said to be The Toffees’ demand. But who is Koeman looking to bring in to replace the centre-back?
Juventus’ Daniele Rugani and Porto’s Bruno Martins Indi have been linked, but the most persistent rumour of the summer has been Kalidou Koulibaly.
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The French-born Senegalese international has gained lots of attention in Europe, this past year.
Koulibaly found himself surplus to requirements under the incoming boss Maurizio Saurri last summer and nearly made a move to Norwich City for around £11million. However, the move was scuppered by club president, Aurelio De Laurentiis.
The 25-year-old began his career with French side FC Metz, the club he progressed through to professional stage from, in two stints either side of a couple of spells for Saint-Die.
He was promoted to the first team at FC Metz, after signing a one-year professional contract prior to helping their U19 side to a Coupe Gambardella win.
After two years and 42 league games, he made a move to Belgian side KRC Genk on a four-year-deal. He then spent two years in Belgium before making a £5.1million move to Napoli.
Despite making 27 league appearances in his debut season with Napoli, he was often criticised and nearly moved just a year after signing. However, De Laurentiis had other plans.
Last season, Koulibaly impressed in his performances, and subsequently, attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, Chelsea and Everton.
Koulibaly’s agent has confirmed his player will be exciting this summer, with a fee expected to be at least £40million, a sizeable upgrade from the £11million last summer.
Vs John Stones
| John Stones | Kalidou Koulibaly | |
| Date of Birth | 28 May 1994 (age 22) | 20 June 1991 (age 25) |
| Height | 1.88 m (6 ft 2 in) | 1.95 m (6 ft 5 in) |
| Weight | 70kg | 89kg |
| League Caps | 101 | 165 |
| League Goals | 1 | 5 |
| International Caps | 10 | 6 |
| International Goals | 0 | 0 |
Last season both Stones and Koulibaly played 33 times in their respective leagues; Stones went on to play 2780 minutes, whilst the Senegalese international played 2888.
Koulibaly has been criticised in the past for committing unnecessary fouls, last season saw him commit 77, over double the amount of Stones’ 37.
The Everton defender also beat his counterpart in terms of successful tackles, shading him 54% to Koulibaly’s 52%. He also, surprisingly, beat the 6’5″ machine in headed duels; Stones finished the season with a 65% success to 55%.
The Napoli defender intercepted 82 times in contrary to Stones’ 56, although, Everton’s No.5 surpassed in both blocks and clearances with 35 and 139, to Koulibaly’s 21 and 125.
Stones made four defensive errors last season, slightly higher than Koulibaly’s three, with three of the four resulting in a goal. They both averaged seven defensive actions per game.
Stones also completed more back passes per game (12.03) to Koulibaly’s (8.85), although, Koeman admitted he didn’t like to see his defenders pass back to his goalkeeper after their win against Barnsley.
