Everton have had a season of struggles, ranging from an injury crisis that has seen them lose multiple key players over the course of the season to finding themselves struggling to maintain safety, with the side sat in 16th position.
And now new manager Frank Lampard could be set for his first mistake in charge of the Merseyside outfit.
What’s the word?
According to Portuguese news outlet, Torcedores, Yerry Mina has been offered to Flamengo by his agent Giuliano Bertolucci.
The report suggests that the Everton defender, who was once hailed a “monster” by ex-Toffees left-back Michael Ball, is interested in listening to offers that Flamengo may have for him, with the possibility of a loan deal until the end of his contract in June 2023 with the Merseyside club.
The signing of Mina is allegedly a priority for the Brazilian club, as they search Europe for reinforcements to bolster their defence.
Frank set for a howler
Lampard will be hoping he can change the trajectory of Everton’s season in the remaining months, something he has shown promise in with a fantastic team performance displayed in the side’s first win in six league games against Leeds United last weekend.
The Toffees have been weakened throughout the season by not only injury but also due to important players leaving, with both James Rodriguez and Lucas Digne being shown the door during Rafa Benitez’s failed tenure at the club, so the newly-appointed boss must do everything he can to not only keep his player fit but also retain their commitment to his challenging project.
When you look at what Mina offers the side in terms of impact in his position, it would be an absolute howler to let him go.
In his ten appearances this season the defender has an average of 89% successful pass completion in his own half, offers 2.7 clearances on average per game and has won the majority of both his ground (65%) and aerial (67%) duels this season, according to SofaScore.
Only Michael Keane is managing a better average rating for Lampard’s current central defensive options, too.
With that being said, keeping the £18m-rated Colombia international should be a top priority this summer amid speculation that he might leave the club, and Lampard could potentially achieve this by ensuring that the 27-year-old defender understands that he is a key member of the side with a future in the Premier League.
AND in other news, Rafa’s only success: Everton struck transfer gold with “tireless” £48k-p/w machine…