Here’s the weekly transfer rumour round up.
Last week when I did this I went through three transfer rumours from actual sources, but this week I decided to try something different. The bookies have released their odds on who they think Everton could sign in the January transfer window, so I’m going to go through three of the most interesting ones and give my usual rating system on each of them.
1. Wilfried Zaha
Odds: 6/1 (Favourites)
This is one Everton fans have probably heard enough of at this point, it was the failed signing of Wilfried Zaha that lead to the signing of Alex Iwobi in August 2019. The signing of Zaha means Everton would be able to move James Rodriguez into a more central position, the Colombian’s preferred position. Signing Zaha would also make the Toffees much more dangerous on the counter-attack, as Zaha’s pace can trouble any defence in the Premier League.
One problem with this signing is that Zaha may not want to play second fiddle to Rodriguez. James should still be the key contributor no matter who the Toffees sign so Zaha would have to accept fewer touches of the ball.
After years of being the key contributor with mixed results for Crystal Palace, Zaha may finally be willing to take fewer touches if it means winning more football games and a possible push for Europe with Everton.
The Ivorian has had a fantastic start to the Premier League for the Eagles, he’s currently averaging a 7.29 rating with 7 goals (9th in the PL) and 2 assists in his first 9 appearances. One thing Zaha is well-known for is his ability to win fouls, the Ivorian currently is fouled 3.1 times per game which puts him third in the Premier League behind only Jack Grealish and Sadio Mane.
Along with this, Zaha is averaging 1.7 dribbles and 1.4 key passes while also taking around 2.7 shots per game which shows the Palace forward’s well-rounded skill-set as either a winger or even a centre-forward, where he’s predominantly been played this season by Roy Hodgson.
Personally, I don’t know what to think about Zaha joining the Toffees, he’s been linked for a few years now but Palace always seemed too stubborn to sell. However, the arrival of Eberechi Eze as a viable option for the Eagles if Zaha leaves could lead to Palace selling Zaha before they lose their opportunity to sell him for a decent bit of money.