Since 2016, Everton have spent £500 million in the transfer market.
That expenditure has solidified their Premier League status but little more.
Who can forget the summer they spent hand over fist on multiple number 10s? (Only to run an out-of-sorts Wayne Rooney into the ground in every game).
However, the Toffees show no signs of slowing down, with Ukrainian left-back Vitaliy Mykolenko their latest transfer target.
Digne out of favour at left-back
It seems that Lucas Digne’s time on Merseyside may be coming to an end.
The news, broken by The Guardian, comes amid reports of a row between Digne and gaffer Rafa Benítez. The Spanish coach has refuted these reports, claiming that all is well in the Everton camp.
So who is Vitaliy Mykolenko?
A 22-year-old full-back plying his trade for Dynamo Kyiv, Vitaliy Mykolenko, has been tipped for a move abroad for several years.
He debuted for the Ukraine national team at just 19 in 2018. Since then, he has gone on to win 21 caps for his country.
He is reportedly making a move to the Premier League in January for a fee in the region of £17.9 million.
Mykolenko could prove a valuable asset
The question on everyone’s minds is is this a good move?
Mykolenko has the advantage of being young but also experienced.
With Champions League experience and a quarter-final run in Euro 2020, he’s no stranger to big games.
He’s won the Ukrainian Premier League, and multiple domestic cups.
The other thing to consider is what are Everton’s alternatives? With the Digne debacle raging on, and injuries piling up at Goodison Park, some fresh blood is necessary.
Medical date and contract length
Mykolenko is due for a medical with Everton over the weekend. Reports indicate that the Merseyside club will offer him a five-year contract.
Everton have suffered in defence this season. Supporters might not have expected much in recent games against Manchester City and Liverpool.
But shipping goals against Crystal Palace, Wolves, and Watford had fans on the edge of their seats – and not in a good way.
Everton fans will be hoping that Mykolenko can be the answer to their prayers. For less than £20 million, he could prove pivotal for the second half of the season.
