With Seamus Coleman exiting and Nathan Patterson stalling, the Toffees must secure a defensive anchor. However, Wan-Bissaka’s inconsistent form and limited offensive impact raise serious questions.
Everton have been linked with a move to sign West Ham right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Toffees' need for a right-back has been well-documented, and it feels as though they could finally pull the trigger and bring one to the club. Seamus Coleman's exit has to force Everton's hand, especially with Nathan Patterson struggling to make an impact.
Everton have needed a right back for a number of years now, and even last season David Moyes continued to use a centre back in that position.
Links are finally emerging to a new right back, but is he really what the Toffees need?
Everton eyeing Aaron Wan-Bissaka
According to a reliable West Ham insider (ExWHUEmployee), Everton are the most advanced side in the race to sign right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the summer transfer window.
The Hammers are believed to be demanding up to £20m for his signature, and it looks as though Moyes could be set to raid his former club.
At the age of 28, Wan-Bissaka is an experienced Premier League defender, something which will undoubtedly attract Moise to him.
The right back problem simply has to be solved in the summer transfer window, but there are certainly doubts as to whether Wan-Bissaka is the correct fit.
How Wan-Bissaka looks on the data
Wan-Bissaka would certainly offer Everton more of a traditional full-back on the right-hand side of defense, even though he still has his attacking limitations.
The West Ham right-back is more of a ball carrier who likes to get crosses into the box, though he hasn't had shedloads of success in terms of creating opportunities.
MlachbotAlthough Wan-Bissaka may look streets ahead of Jake O'Brien in terms of his attacking metrics above, when compared to the rest of the Premier League, he's still not a huge threat in the final third.
Scouting StatsEverton shouldn't simply be scouting a right-back who only contributes going forward, as it's still imperative that they have someone who is capable defensively.
Wan-Bissaka hasn't pulled up any trees defensively either of late, winning a small percentage of his duels and making minimal tackles per 90. This is especially true when you take into account how defensive West Ham were for large portions of last season.
Scouting StatsWan-Bissaka not addressing issues
Wan-Bissaka is still a strong defender and has rarely been beaten 1v1, but it feels like Everton aren't addressing their issues by bringing him in.
If Everton want to get more out of the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Tyler Dibling, they need to bring in a more well-rounded full-back. O'Brien often leaves Everton's winger left 1v1 due to his lack of attacking intelligence or eagerness to get into the final third.
Towards the end of last season, Wan-Bissaka was struggling to get into one of the worst West Ham sides in years. Considering they were relegated from the Premier League, it feels like we should be aiming a lot higher.
At £20 million, there are plenty of right-back options across Europe who represent better value, especially considering you'd struggle to sell him on in the future due to his age.
If Everton want to stick with a defensive right back, you're better off saving your money and keeping O'Brien. Going forward, Everton need to add a different profile in the position, showing a little more ambition and risk in their recruitment.
Signing Wan-Bissaka feels like lazy recruitment from Everton, and they need to do better.
