Patrick van Aanholt is being touted as the long-term replacement for Leighton Baines, and his signing could signify a big change at Everton.
Everton are likely to revise their previous interest in Crystal Palace’s Patrick Van Aanholt this summer, according to reports from the Daily Mail, after Sam Allardyce was dismissed mid-pursuit of the Dutchman a few months back.
The Blues are preparing for the inevitable retirement of club captain Leighton Baines and van Aanholt is one of the few names on the list who remains available. The signing could signify something far greater though.
Everton endured a strange campaign in 2017/18, eventually finishing eighth in the Premier League after club-record spending in the transfer window. The quality of football was also bemoaned by supporters, with the pragmatic Allardyce shown the door early this summer as a result.
However, the addition of van Aanholt would signify a big change of philosophy at Goodison Park, as the 27-year-old loves to maraud forward frequently in pursuit of goals and assists, similarly to Seamus Coleman on the opposite flank.
And the two together would represent a pretty formidable attacking duo for two defenders.
Although it would be deemed a risk to play both at the same time, with the central defence likely to come under further scrutiny, Everton fans would welcome the positive approach from the next Toffees boss, as the club look to match owner Farhad Moshiri’s lofty ambitions in pursuit of European football.
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