Everton are reportedly on the verge of signing Djibril Sidibe.
According to L’Equipe, Everton are set to sign Monaco full back Djibril Sidibe on loan for €2.5million (£2.3million), with a €14million (£12.9million) purchase clause in the deal.
The Toffees have splashed the cash in recent days by signing Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Moise Kean, but another right back has been on Marco Silva’s wish list.
It now seems that Marcel Brands has struck with a deal for Sidibe, taking the 26-year-old on loan for the season with a view to a long-term stay.
Sidibe won the World Cup with France last year, and whilst he endured a difficult season with Monaco, this still appears to be a masterstroke from Brands.
Everton have loaned out Jonjoe Kenny to Schalke, meaning they needed another right back to compete with Seamus Coleman, and this deal for Sidibe gives them perfect flexibility.
If Kenny doesn’t impress at Schalke, they can sell him on and explore purchasing Sidibe, if he impresses, without much hassle. If Kenny does impress and is ready to play for Everton, they can just move on from Sidibe’s loan.
Additionally though, Sidibe can also play at left back proficiently. With Leighton Baines having just one more year at Goodison Park, there’s still the possibility of having Sidibe as cover for Lucas Digne long-term.
Everton have so many options by taking Sidibe on loan, and whilst he needs to return to previous form to earn a permanent move, he ticks so many boxes for the Toffees.
Taking Sidibe on loan with little financial commitment gives Everton major flexibility next summer, with Brands already planning one year ahead – and that’s why the Everton director of football could have pulled off another fine deal here.
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