Everton are reportedly interested in Strasbourg right-back Guela Doue this summer as they look to strengthen their defence.
The Premier League club have been forced to play centre-back Jake O’Brien out wide due to limited options in the position.
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Doue’s biggest strengths are being a goal threat, creativity and aerial duelsCredit: Getty
The 17-time Irish international has performed strongly while out of position, but there’s a clear need for a natural replacement in the right-back role, especially to boost the attack.
Seamus Coleman has also left after 17 years of service, with Nathan Patterson as the only natural right-back at the Hill Dickinson, yet he is likely to follow him out the door this summer.
Patterson signed from Rangers in January 2022 in hopes of becoming Coleman’s successor, but has struggled heavily with injuries and consistent form.
Doue to Everton?
Guela, the 23-year-old brother of Paris Saint-Germain star Desire Doue, has emerged as a favourite for the Toffees hierarchy, according to The Times.
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The Ivory Coast international made his debut for Strasbourg after signing from Rennes and has a contract until 2029.
Similar to O’Brien, he is also a centre-back who can seamlessly feature as a full-back, ranking in Ligue 1 top five players for progressive passes.
In Doue’s first year at his new club, he has cemented himself in the French outfit’s starting 11.
His versatility remains a massive strength, offering the option to deploy him on the wing, at right-back, or in a central defensive partnership.
The 23-year-old has scored two goals and contributed with six assists during the Ligue 1 campaign.
The better brother?
Unlike his younger sibling, who is representing France at the World Cup, Guela was called up to the Ivory Coast national team.
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Guela has often been overlooked by his younger brother who has been PSG’s breakout starCredit: AFP
He played the full 90 minutes as the African nation won their opening game and beat Ecuador 1-0 with a last-minute winner from Manchester United‘s Amad Diallo.
After the close game and securing all three points, the Ivory Coast have handed themselves a massive boost for progressing through the tournament.
Additionally, Guela faced his brother during a pre-World Cup friendly, scoring and assisting Diallo’s winner against France.
Desire Doue was very complimentary as he sat on the bench watching his older brother dominate on the international stage.
After the game, the 21-year-old said: “It’s a shame I didn’t get to play against [my brother], as this was our first France-Ivory Coast match.”
The Doue brothers have been previously complimentary of each other despite playing for rival teams.
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The two brothers could play against each other in the international competition if they both make it to the knockout stagesCredit: AFP
Desire added: “My brother and I are like twins.
“That’s how we’ve always felt, right from a young age. We have this incredible bond that loads of people have commented on over the years.
“We tell each other everything and have no secrets. He’s such a massive support for me in my daily life.”
Everton will be hoping the right-back doesn’t gain too much attention during the World Cup, as the 23-year-old will inevitably attract various suitors.
Strasbourg is owned by the same group as Chelsea, BlueCo, and if the Blues were to get involved in a bidding war for the right-back, they would automatically become favourites.
Xabi Alonso would need to sell one of Malo Gusto or Josh Acheampong if there were any real interest in Guela.
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However, the Ivory Coast international is valued at £40million, a price the Merseyside outfit are not aiming to pay.
Everton have also been linked with West Ham’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Arsenal’s Ben White, and Tottenham’s Djed Spence due to their strengths in attack.