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Perhaps Everton could look at Riyad Mahrez

By Matt Townsend

LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City crosses the ball under pressure from Jose Holebas of Watford during the FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Watford at Wembley Stadium on May 18, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MAY 18: Riyad Mahrez of Manchester City crosses the ball under pressure from Jose Holebas of Watford during the FA Cup Final match between Manchester City and Watford at Wembley Stadium on May 18, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /
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There has been plenty of talk about possible further attacking signings and this talk has tended to focus on additions from abroad such as Brazil forward David Neres.

But perhaps Everton could also look at other forwards who might be less of a risk and have been playing in England, like Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez.

Mahrez has become almost a forgotten man and has had a difficult time since his expensive move from Leicester City in 2018. The high-profile move hasn’t quite worked out as he might have expected and especially recently, his league appearances have been more and more limited.

However Mahrez is still an excellent player who when he had the chance produced some good performances. The Algerian is a talented, versatile forward with a variety of skills and attributes.

And he could fill that position on the right of Everton’s three-man attack where there seems to be a potential opening, even though the Blues have Richarlison, Theo Walcott and Ademola Lookman, all of whom can play there.

Bernard seems to have nailed down the left hand side of the Toffees attack, but the right side seems less certain despite Richarlison’s excellence towards the end of last season.

In fact that position is Mahrez’ best and where he lit up the Premier League during Leicester City’s stunningly unexpected title win on 2015-16.

The creativity and goals from that position he could offer would be a bonus for the Blues. And although he is 28, he should be at the peak of his powers.

Of course all this is very much speculation on my part and he’s very unlikely to be willing to take what he would view as a step down going from the Premier League champions to Everton.

And he would probably cost £40-50 million at least, which is I imagine beyond what Everton are prepared to pay. But his career has somewhat stalled and the Toffees could offer him regular football, something that seems in very short supply at City these days.

Another possible option is Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser. The Scottish forward had a massive season last term and was one of the most consistently creative players in the Premier League.

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The 25-year-old can also play across the front three and like Mahrez is a left-footed player so could offer that cutting-in option from the right hand side, something that is very much in-vogue these days.

No disrespect to Bournemouth but Fraser might also, (frankly he should!), see a move to Goodison Park as a step up in his career. He’s also the right sort of age and would probably be a bit more affordable in terms of a transfer fee.

Anyway these are just a few thoughts of other potential signings Everton might possibly want to consider to strengthen the forward line..?

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