Leeds United are now reportedly facing competition from Southampton for Everton central defender Mason Holgate.
Southampton join Leeds in race for Mason Holgate
On December 22, 2022, The Sun reported that Leeds are interested in signing Holgate from Premier League rivals Everton in the January transfer window.
The report claimed that the West Yorkshire club have inquired abut the 26-year-old English centre-back, who earns £70,000 per week (Spotrac) at the Toffees.
The Sun added that French club Lyon have expressed interest in Holgate, and that Everton could sell him in the middle of the season due to their financial problems.
It has now emerged that Southampton are also interested in Holgate, described as “a complete defender” who “wants to improve” by former Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti on the club’s official website in March 2020.
According to The Sunday People (print edition, Page 50, 1 January, 2023), the Saints are keen on bringing the 26-year-old centre-back to St. Mary’ Stadium in the January transfer window.
Everton exit sensible?
In our view, it would make sense for Mason Holgate to leave Everton for Leeds United or Southampton in the January transfer window.
The defender has fallen down the pecking order at the Toffees, and it does not look likely that manager Frank Lampard rates him highly.
What’s the point in staying at Everton and not getting much playing time?
So far this season, Holgate has made three starts and one substitute appearance in the Premier League and has played once in the Carabao Cup for Everton.
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