Everton have checked in with Stade de Reims surrounding a potential move for Dion Lopy.
What’s the latest on Everton’s interest in Lopy?
As per the Daily Mail, Sean Dyche’s side have checked in on the 21-year-old powerhouse.
This interest in the Reims star comes at a time when there is concern that they may lose Amadou Onana in the summer, as the Belgium international is attracting interest elsewhere.
However, the Merseyside club will face competition from Aston Villa, who are believed to be interested as well.
How would Lopy fit into Everton?
The Senegal international midfielder would provide depth to the relegation-threatened side if they are to lose Onana.
The €3m-rated (£2.5m) beast has made his way into Will Still’s starting XI this season, where he has made 23 Ligue 1 appearances.
In the past year, the Dakar-born Reims stalwart has become a defensive monster, as he is ranked within the top 5% for blocks and top 9% for interceptions per 90 of players within the same position in Europe’s top five leaguess, as per FBref.
This demonstrates the defensive stability that he may be able to bring to the Toffees. If Onana does depart in the summer amid interest from Arsenal, Lopy would be a much-needed addition to the Everton side, who currently sit in sixth for the most goals conceded this term.
If the Belgium international does not leave the Merseyside club, then Everton would benefit from having another Senegalese-born midfielder in Dyche’s ranks. As well as Onana, the Toffees currently have Idrissa Gana Gueye occupying their midfield, who recently revealed that the pairing communicates in Wolof whilst on the pitch.
Having the current pairing at Everton whilst Lopy settles into life in England could provide crucial in helping him to adapt quickly. On the pitch, the Reims midfielder has grown in his ability whilst in the Ligue 1 side. As per FBref, the 21-year-old is now making more interceptions and tackles per 90 minutes (4.5) than he had done in previous seasons. Not only this, but Lopy also attempts more challenges – showing that he gets more involved in the play.
If the Toffees do lose Onana to a footballing giant in the summer, then the Senegal international would provide Dyche with some cover in the absence of their midfielder. The performances for Still’s side have excited many and the midfielder, once praised by a football data analyst for being “brilliant”, would give the Everton faithful some hope if they are to lose their current beast in the centre of the park.