Potential Benedikt Howedes transfer a perfect fit for Everton

Ramiro Funes Mori is suffering from a long term injury, Brendan Galloway and Tyias Browning are at Sunderland, and who knows what the deal is with Luke Garbutt.

Given that, Ronald Koeman has made it known that he would like to sign a versatile defender that can cover both the left-sided center-half and left back positions as the club has no cover for Leighton Baines.

Enter FC Schalke 04’s Benedikt Howedes.

No specific clubs are mentioned in the Howedes pursuit, but by way of deduction, we can get to Everton fairly easily.

Chelsea signed Antonio Rudiger, Tottenham are close to acquiring Ajax’s Davinson Sanchez, Manchester City are after Jonny Evans, and Manchester United signed Victor Lindelof. Realistically, that leaves the two Merseyside clubs as the German defender’s most likely destinations if he does move on.

While Royal Blue Mersey had previously suggested Daley Blind for the utility defender role, Howedes is a cut above. He has played all across the back line during his career, including 44 caps for the German national team.

While the 29-year-old hasn’t recently played many games at left back for his club, he did play there in the 2014 World Cup - which Germany won. For Schalke, Howedes is used in central defense and on the right flank - versatility abounds.

Schalke are rumoured to be asking for around €20 million, which is a bargain in the current climate, particularly considering Howedes’ ability and accomplishments. The German defender was stripped of the Schalke captaincy this offseason, and Everton can offer European football, which Howedes’ current club cannot.

A Benedikt Howedes move to Everton makes sense for all parties involved.