Everton could have their own Van Dijk with Lille’s Gabriel dubbed ‘absolute machine’

Add as preferred source on Google

Everton are seemingly closing in on a deal to sign Gabriel Magalhaes from Lille this summer. The Guardian is reporting that the Toffees ‘expect’ to make the Brazilian defender Carlo Ancelotti’s first signing when the transfer window opens, with a reported fee of £30 million. 

Now, his current club’s president Gerard Lopez has been speaking to Sky Sports about the Brazilian and what he might bring Everton. 

Whilst the Frenchman did not confirm a move to Everton was forthcoming, he did admit that Gabriel could leave the French club this summer. 

“It’s true that he would like to go and try something else out. We haven’t taken that decision yet, but he’s received a number of offers. I feel he’s closer to one club than others, but nothing’s done yet so we’ll see.”

He then went on to call him ‘a machine’ and suggested he is already in the ‘top five’ central defenders in Europe. 

“I feel he is among the top five dominant central defenders in Europe right now. His statistics, which aren’t well covered outside of France, shows that his percentage for winning duels is pretty unheard of in a league that’s extremely physical.

“He’s an absolute machine, so to me, he’s well on his way – if not this year – to potentially a really big club. I’m certain he’s on his way to the Brazilian national team at some point.”

Everton’s very own Virgil van Dijk? – TBR View

Everton will certainly hope that Gabriel can live up to the testament of the Lille president. 

Gabriel has been a revelation in Lille this season and is believed to be on the cusp of a first call-up to the Brazilian national team. 

Everton have had to watch as another dominant central defender in Gabriel’s mold, Virgil van Dijk, has helped take their rivals, Liverpool, to the next level. 

There were hopes that Yerry Mina could emulate the Dutchman when he arrived from Barcelona but it appears the Colombian will never quite hit that standard. 

But there is clearly a belief that Gabriel has the potential to do just that. If he can become Everton’s own Van Dijk, then Gabriel might become one of the most important signings in Everton’s recent history.