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Oliver Glasner has told Everton why they should complete deal for 'highly talented' Ridle Baku
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- Oliver Glasner has told Everton why they should complete deal for 'highly talented' Ridle Baku
Oliver Glasner's previous praise of Ridle Baku shows the kind of player that Everton could be signing to solve their right-back problems.
David Moyes has made it clear that Everton are in the market for a new right-back this summer.
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Their interest in signing Celtic star Alistair Johnston has proved as much, with the two clubs struggling to agree a fee as it stands.
According to The Athletic , Everton have been exploring other targets aside from the Canadian international, with Leipzig's Baku under consideration too.
Baku has been a regular in the Bundesliga for several seasons, with Glasner heaping praise on his ability during their time working together at Wolfsburg .
Such acclamation of the German international defender from a top Premier League manager proves that he will be a real hit in English football if he joins Everton.
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Oliver Glasner has praised a number of Ridle Baku's standout attributes
Baku emerged through Mainz's youth ranks and became a regular in the Bundesliga before joining Glasner at Wolfsburg in 2020.
He became a real force under the Austrian in his first season at the club, registering six goals and assists each in 32 league games to earn a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Year.
Glasner left Wolfsburg at the end of the campaign to become Eintracht Frankfurt 's new boss, after leading the club to a fourth-place finish and qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
He could not speak highly enough of Baku before leaving though, insisting that he had several impressive attributes to make him a key player in the modern game.
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Speaking to SPORT1 in November 2020, he said: "(He has been) very positive. He's a highly talented player who brings a great deal to modern football. He's quick, dynamic, technically strong and has a good understanding of the game. It also helps that he often played in central midfield during his youth development. We integrated him into our system very quickly, and he's very keen to learn and open-minded. At the end of the day, that helps him – and us too."
Baku, 28, has continued to trend upwards by featuring for Leipzig over the last two seasons, and would clearly be a top signing for Everton this month.
Alistair Johnston: Everything Celtic have said about losing 'major player' as Everton swoop Celtic star Alistair Johnston makes up his mind between joining Everton and Fulham What is the latest on Everton's pursuit on Johnston?
Johnston still looks to be Everton's number one target for right-back, with improvements needed after Jake O'Brien played there out of position for most of last season.
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He played in Celtic's Premiership opener on Monday evening against Dundee amid rumours that his move to Merseyside is imminent.
Sources have revealed to Football Insiderthat Johnston wants to join Everton, so the ball is firmly in their court to meet the Hoops' £14million price tag.
Everton's representatives were in attendance at Parkhead to watch Johnston on Monday, but they are yet to make a concrete offer and the deal currently remains off the table.
