Everton must have former Juventus striker on the radar as a backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Everton could evaluate the prospect of signing free agent Mario Mandzukic.
The whispers of signing a backup striker are nonstop. Due to the domestic transfer window being still open, Everton have been linked to Joshua King of AFC Bournemouth. If Everton are actually searching for a striker they might even look into the free agent market. Mario Mandzukic is a sizeable candidate to act as a backup striker.
Firstly, I would be content if Everton didn’t actually go in the market and signed a backup striker. Cenk Tosun has stayed at Goodison and is recovering well from his ACL injury. His stay at Goodison supports the notion that he could be the backup to free scoring Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
light. Must Read. Everton have a Moise Kean replacement and Dominic Calvert-Lewin backup ready
In case if Tosun isn’t to be trusted with the deputy No.9 role, Everton could take a look at Mario Mandzukic. The Croatian spent the second half of last season in Qatar at Al-Duhail. However, his time in Qatar was short lived as the club and the player terminated the contract with mutual consent.
A number of clubs were linked to the 34 year old but Mandzukic is still a free agent. A short term contract with the Croat could work out for Everton. Moise Kean is going to spend this season on loan and hopefully come back as a more developed striker by being in the vicinity of Kylian Mbappe, Neymar and Mauro Icardi.
So, Everton does not actually need a young or a long term option for the deputy striker’s role and that is why Mario Mandzukic could be the best bet. He is 34 and doesn’t expect to be a key member of the squad. He doesn’t have many years left at the top but is still a significant option to have in the ranks.
The former Juventus man has a respectable goal scoring record and could really thrive in the Premier League environment. The 6 feet 2 inch striker is a major threat in the air and nowadays when Everton have been darting a lot of crosses in the box, Mandzukic’s towering figure would be easy to spot and target.
Mario Mandzukic is not the quickest players out there but has a lot of quality on the final third. His performances at Al-Duhail may not be very convincing but his abilities as an all round striker could be enough to convince Everton to at least take at Mandzukic.
Next. What an Everton missed transfers XI will look like. dark
Is Mario Mandzukic worth considering?