Everton were reportedly willing to spend £18m on Lamine Kone last summer but the Sunderland defender has struggled for form since.
There’s little doubt that Lamine Kone is the most naturally talented centre-half at Sunderland’s disposal. You only need to analyse his tub-thumpingly terrific performances during the club’s ‘great escape’ under Sam Allardyce in the second half of 2015/16 to see that.
Kone even scored twice in a 3-0 thrashing of Everton that secured Sunderland’s survival, relegated north east rivals Newcastle, and had Allardyce dancing like a dad at a wedding in front of a gleeful home support.
Since that unseemly transfer saga of 2016, however, in which Kone did everything he possibly could to force through a move to Everton, the Ivorian has barely looked interested. The difference between his performances under Moyes compared to those under Allardyce was staggering.
And, even in the Championship, Kone’s displays have often left a lot to be desired. It is no coincidence that one of their finest performances of the season, Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Preston North End, came with Kone sat amongst the substitutes.
In fact, Sunderland looked far more solid with Toffees loanee Tyias Browning partnering John O’Shea than the man Everton were willing to pay £18 million in the summer of 2016, as reported by The Sun.
While Everton’s defensive record has left a lot to be desired this season with Ashley Williams looking well past his best and Michael Keane struggling to justify his huge price-tag, The Toffees’ inability to bring in Kone is looking more than more like a bullet dodged.
They can welcome back Browning next season anyway.
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