Many seem to be missing the point a bit. Of course we have to consider the age of the player but, as many have pointed out, 33 isn’t too ancient in CB years.
The main worry is if he’s crap. Had we stood firm on something like 2 years with an option, then we have a maximum of two years’ exposure as whatever salary we’re giving him. Because we’re Everton, and even though we’ve seemingly signed him completely unopposed (Villa signed Carlos and Fulham is too far away for him) we’ve just dived straight in with a four year deal.
If he is indeed crap - and I’ve said many times already I can’t shake the feeling he will be - that means nobody else will touch him at the wages he’s on and so, YET AGAIN, we’ll be left with another player on a long-term contract, gobbling up wages for doing absolutely nothing.
We should have offered him a max of two years guaranteed. If he refused - and I know this is novel to Everton’s team of crack negotiators - we should have said “no thanks”, given him a couple of days to realise it’s the best offer on the table and come crawling back, and if he didn’t then just move onto another target.
Some players are worth going beyond your intended terms to sign. This lad isn’t one of them.
Hope I’m wrong, bet I’m right.