Everton Plot Audacious €40m Swoop For La Liga Star To Fix The Defence: Is He The Right Choice? | OneFootball

Spanish outlet Fichajes reports that Everton have set their sights on Atlético Madrid centre-back Robin Le Normand. They want him for the upcoming summer transfer window. The report claims the Toffees must offer roughly €40 million (£33.5m) to get the Madrid-based club to talk.

Everton Target Le Normand in Ambitious Defensive Overhaul

Everton’s board see this move as a real statement. It shows they want to take on the Premier League’s best teams rather than just fighting to stay up. People in the industry say the Merseysiders want to move fast to get the 29-year-old’s signature.

This action stops a long bidding war with other European clubs. It is a massive financial commitment. Even so, the club seem ready to gamble that Le Normand can fix their defence.

Is he a good option for the Toffees?

MADRID, SPAIN – JANUARY 18: Robin Le Normand of Atletico de Madrid inspects the pitch prior to the LaLiga EA Sports match between Atletico de Madrid and Deportivo Alaves at Riyadh Air Metropolitano on January 18, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Everton are in a decent spot in the Premier League. Still, they clearly need fresh blood in the backline. The current defence leans too much on James Tarkowski. He has been great for the club, but he is entering the twilight of his career. Jarrad Branthwaite is still playing well, but the squad needs a partner in his prime.

They need someone with international experience and physical strength. Le Normand fits that description perfectly. He has plenty of experience from playing in La Liga and Europe with the Spanish national team. Look at his stats, and you see his value. He wins almost every header and reads the game well to make big interceptions. These skills work well in the rough-and-tumble Premier League.

The move carries specific risks. Critics point out that Le Normand can be a bit too safe on the ball. He often plays simple sideways passes instead of trying to start an attack. Some pundits even call this possession without purpose. On top of that, he has struggled to get regular games under Diego Simeone lately.

That makes you wonder if he can handle a high-intensity style. Still, the Spaniard’s aggression and leadership might be exactly what Everton need. If the club spend the €40 million, they get a defender who knows how to win. He would walk straight into the starting lineup and make them better in the air immediately. It is a lot of money, but you have to pay for quality.