Everton completed a loan move for Monaco right-back, Djibril Sidibe. Sidibe who will provide competition for Seamus Coleman, and will be pushing for a place in the starting eleven.

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The loan deal involves an option to buy Sidibe for around £15m following the conclusion of the loan.

27-year-old Sidibe was part of the 2018 World Cup winning France squad, and has made 18 international appearances, as well as making 114 appearances in all competitions for Monaco since joining from Lille in 2016. The player was highly touted as being one of the top right-backs in Europe a couple of years ago before injuries stagnated his progression. However, Sidibe is still a very capable right-back, and would seriously rival current Everton right-back, Seamus Coleman.

He was a big part of the Ligue 1 winning Monaco side during the 2016-17 campaign, with his performances earning him a place in the Ligue 1 ‘Trophees UNFP du football’ team of the season, alongside the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Bernardo Silva.

At 6ft tall, Sidibe provides a physical presence from the right-back position. His athleticism is also impressive, with great pace and energy to burn alongside the right-hand side of the pitch. Sidibe’s creativity is also impressive, along with his positivity going forward. This positivity is highlighted through him having 19 shots in 26 appearances in Ligue 1 last season. Although he can look quite raw and unorthodox at times, he’s great going forward and sound defensively.

With Coleman turning 31 in October, it’s fairly likely that Sidibe could be used to eventually replace the much-loved Irishman. Coleman struggled at times last season, particularly early on when playing behind Theo Walcott. He improved as the season progressed but has still yet to hit the form he experienced prior to his injury. Hopefully he can reach the level of previous seasons, but if not, Sidibe will provide a very capable replacement/competition.

It’s probable that a player with the quality of Sidibe has been brought in to be first choice. Coleman is likely to start the first few games of the season, with Sidibe being given sporadic game-time, and eventually replacing Coleman if impressing when given the opportunity.

Everton winger Henry Onyekuru could be off to Monaco, however it’s reported that the two deals would not be linked in a swap deal.

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BILLY MINSHALL