Everton were strongly linked with Bayern Munich’s Juan Bernat in January.
After a disappointing season, Everton need new signings this summer, and bringing in a left back has to be a top priority no matter who the manager is.
With Sam Allardyce’s future up in the air, Everton’s transfer plans are liable to change, but regardless of who is in charge next term, finding cover for Leighton Baines is paramount.
Baines is approaching 34 and has struggled with his fitness this term, yet Everton have remarkably failed to bring in a new left back to offer cover and competition.
That has forced Cuco Martina into playing as a makeshift left back, and it’s now vital that Everton invest in another left back to battle with Baines and eventually take over his role.
The Liverpool Echo reported in January that Everton were interested in Bayern Munich’s Juan Bernat, though no deal materialised as the Toffees instead chose to go with what they had at left back…which wasn’t very much.
Now though, AS report that Bernat is available this summer as Bayern won’t stand in his way, with Koln star Jonas Hector lined up as his replacement to compete with David Alaba.
That should be the perfect opportunity for Everton to pounce and make their move for the Spaniard, whose career has stagnated at Bayern since Pep Guardiola’s departure in 2016.
Bernat, who once starred with Valencia, has great pace and can get forward well as a result, offering a dangerous attacking threat from left back – just as Baines has for for 11 years.
With Atletico Madrid allegedly keen, signing Bernat won’t be easy, but as a 24-year-old left back with title-winning and Champions League experience, the Spaniard should be a top option on Everton’s left back wish list.
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