John Terry’s announcement that he would be leaving was as a major setback coming off the back of our playoff final loss. With limited funds, we’ll have to replace our captain this summer.
It won’t be easy but I have put together a list of four centre-backs who could do the job playing alongside James Chester at the heart of our defence next season.
Cameron Carter-Vickers
The American international impressed on loan from Tottenham at Ipswich Town last campaign. He has recently signed a new deal with the Premier League club, and it’s likely he’ll be available for a temporary move once again.
He played 34 times in the league and has a good deal of experience playing in the Championship. Although he won’t give us the experience Terry offered, he could learn a thing or two playing alongside Chester, and the pair could complement each other well.
We should also have a good relationship with Spurs after giving another loanee Josh Onomah a good amount of game time.
Robert Huth
The German would be an option if we are seeking to replace experience with another wise old head. At 33 years of age, the defender is coming to the end of his career, but as a key part of Leicester’s Premier League title-winning team, he may be a player worth considering.
His injury record is a major concern, and he spent a large part of last season on the sidelines with an ankle injury. He is available on a free transfer, and it may not be a bad idea to offer him a short-term deal or a pay-as-you-play contract.
Axel Tuanzebe
This signing may be the most likely as it has been reported that the Manchester United loanee may extend his deal at Villa Park for a further year even though we remain in the Championship.
When he was fit, Steve Bruce utilised the defender as a full-back, but with his best position being at centre-back, he would likely be given opportunities in the middle if he were to stay.
Matthew Pennington
The Everton defender recently signed a new three-year deal at the Merseyside club, but he spent last season out on loan at Leeds. Although the 23-year-old was part of a defence that leaked 64 goals last season, he may benefit by having more experienced players like Chester and Elmohamady around him.
Much will depend on whether he is a part of new manager Marco Silva’s first-team plans. If he isn’t, another loan spell away from Goodison Park is likely, and he could be an option to consider.
