Here are 3 options for Moise Kean replacement and Dominic Calvert-Lewin backup.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s exponential rise has been unbelievable. He is thriving under Carlo Ancelotti and has done more than enough to stake his claim on the No.9 jersey. When he switched to the No.9 jersey, he was aware about the royal legacy he would be inheriting and also the pressure that would come with the jersey number.
Everton legends like Dixie Dean, Duncan Ferguson, Graeme Sharp had donned the No.9 shirt. Not an Everton legend just yet, DCL in a short span of time, has given a glimpse of his capabilities and the heights he can reach. As long as the 23 year old heads the Everton frontline and keeps on performing at current level, Ancelotti and the fans need not worry about the goal scoring responsibility.
However, the real issue begins when the talk of an able DCL backup surfaces. Everton have suffered to find a backup to Calvert-Lewin who can offer similar goal scoring rate or similar level of performance when DCL is unavailable or needs to be rested.
Cenk Tosun has failed to replicate the numbers in England and has found life difficult in the Premier League. There are chances that Tosun may leave Goodison in the January transfer window with West Brom’s Sam Allardyce keen on having him.
Moise Kean had the backup role before he left for PSG on loan. Now, PSG Sporting director Leonardo is convinced about signing Kean permanently and has already begun the negotiations to make the loan deal permanent. The Italian endured a tough time in Merseyside but has rekindled his lost form in Paris and is enjoying life in Ligue 1. There’s a high possibility that the 20 year old will agree to a permanent stay with PSG.
If Tosun also departs, Everton will be in a vulnerable position in the striker’s department with just DCL as a pure No.9. So, here are three options worth looking at for Calvert-Lewin’s backup and a replacement to Kean and Tosun.
Ivan Toney is in smashing form this season at Brentford.
Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Ivan Toney was loosely linked to Everton recently with the club having Toney on the radar. The Brentford striker has produced his A-game this season, enough to attract the attention of Premier League clubs.
In terms of statistics, Toney has 16 goals and 4 assists in 22 Championship games. His breathtaking numbers haven’t been matched by anyone in the Championship yet and provide a strong case to consider. He may not have the best passing stats but is deadly in front of the goal. Obviously, when you come from the Championship, you will need a lot of polishing before you can amalgamate in the Premier League circus.
A talented player like Toney can be fine-tuned. His incredible ability in the box is something that will help Everton a lot. Of course, there will be the argument that he has no Premier League experience but the likes of Said Benrahma has turned out to be fine so there’s no reason not to believe why Toney can’t do it either.
The current market value stands at £9 million but there’s no way Brentford will allow their star to leave for such a cheap price. However, the money generated from a potential Kean sale and Tosun sale should be reinvested.
Joshua King was an Everton target in the summer.
Joshua King (AFC Bournemouth)
Joshua King was a hot topic of discussion in the summer when the same question regarding Calvert-Lewin’s backup was raised. The Bournemouth striker was a subject of numerous transfer enquiries over the summer with Everton getting linked to him till the very last day of the transfer window.
The Norwegian himself was anticipating a move away from the Vitality Stadium but a move never materialized. However, since the summer, the talk regarding King’s transfer has died down as he has struggled to fix a spot in the Bournemouth team.
At times, despite being fit, he has failed to even make it to the match day squad. A player of King’s quality deserves to play in the Premier League. The 28 year old may not be your best solution for the prime role of No.9 but is a solid backup to your regular striker.
His quality and ability to involve himself in the buildup while also switching positions is a major factor why teams like Manchester United got interested in him. King offers a lot of options off the bench and can even turn the tide in Everton’s favour in games as a super sub.
King’s current deal expires in 2021 which presents a golden opportunity for Everton to pounce upon and sign him for peanuts or even for free.
Diego Costa has been released by Atletico Madrid.
Diego Costa (Free agent)
I know this is somewhat a long shot and possibly could raise a lot of questions. There’s no hiding from the fact that Diego Costa’s level has degraded in recent years. He is clearly no longer the kind of poacher we saw when he was at Chelsea. Age and lack of game time have taken a toll on him but there’s also no running away from the fact that he comes with the tag of being an animal and a nightmare for defenders.
We know how dangerous Costa can be especially when given the license to fully exploit the defence. He was released by Atletico Madrid so that he can find a new club and also because he was unhappy with the lack of game time at Wanda Metropolitano. This also gave rise to certain locker room conflicts which is why Costa is somewhat of a risk.
However, if Ancelotti and Marcel Brands can get him to agree that he won’t be crucial player, Costa could be a great signing. There were similar worries that Edinson Cavani won’t accept a squad role at Manchester United but the Uruguayan not only accepted the role of a substitute but has excelled in such a role. Costa too can be more threatening when he comes off the bench, allowing him to capitalize on tired defenders.
There are certain complications but if all things are considered, Costa would tick a lot of boxes for Ancelotti. He has Champions League experience, possesses the quality of a venomous poacher and is a great addition to strengthen the bench. At least, a short term deal can be tried as Costa remains open to a Premier League move.