Middlesbrough defender Ben Gibson has impressed in his debut season in the Premier League, and he would be the perfect fit for Everton.
Middlesbrough’s Ben Gibson applauds fans after the game
The 24-year-old has enjoyed the most prosperous spell of his career in the past eighteen months. His first call up to the most recent England squad has capped off a successful promotion campaign at the Riverside Stadium. He has earned a number of plaudits for his assured performances in the heart of the Middlesbrough defence.
Gibson will be focused on saving Boro from an immediate return to the Championship, with his team currently sitting five points from safety with ten games left to play. Their precarious position in the league has not been down to any fault of Gibson, whose performances have not gone unnoticed, with many Premier league clubs understandably monitoring his situation closely.
Everton are one team who should be keeping track of the recent England call-up, as they will be looking to revamp their ageing defence. Their first choice centre half pairing is Ashley Williams, who is 32 and is joined in the squad by 34-year-old Phil Jagielka. Whilst Williams has at least a couple of years left at his peak, Jagielka is arguably past his best and Ronald Koeman will be looking for his immediate successor at Goodison Park.
Gibson has both age and ability on his side. He is also naturally left footed and will compliment Williams in the Toffees defence. If Middlesbrough are unable to beat the drop then his departure from Teesside will be inevitable.
Everton’s defence will need strengthening in the next transfer window
Now that Gibson has proved himself in the Premier League and is in the England national set-up, another season in the Championship will not be a viable option for him if he is to take the next step in his career. A move to the blue half of Merseyside would be logical as Ronald Koeman’s men look ready to make a serious push for European football.
Even if relegation is confirmed, Middlesbrough will not let their academy graduate go without a substantial transfer fee being offered to them. After cashing in on £47.5 million for John Stones, (BBC Sport) Everton are in an ideal position to make a serious bid for Gibson. This should provide food for thought for Koeman when weighing up his options this summer.
Ben Gibson put through his paces in England training
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