Everton may need to reinforce the right wing in the transfer window
Ever since the summer transfer window, Everton have been rumoured to sign multiple different right-wingers, and it looks like this could be the transfer window where Carlo Ancelotti signs a right-winger to complete his front three. The Toffees have been a bit dry in the right-wing position with only James Rodriguez and Alex Iwobi, who can play the position at a good standard.
Ancelotti likes to play very fluidly with his sides, with players who can play multiple roles in multiple formations are players the Italian likes the most; take a look at Iwobi and Ben Godfrey, two players who Ancelotti has given a lot of praise due to their versatility.
So it’s safe to say that he will more than likely look for a player who can offer some versatility while also being good enough to play at a European level for this new, highly ambitious Everton side.
Here are three players Everton could sign to play right-wing:
Leon Bailey
Leon Bailey has been a player on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in Europe for a few years now ever since his fantastic 17/18 season for Leverkusen where he scored nine goals and six assists, but ever since then, Bailey had a bit of a fall off, scoring five goals in each of the next two seasons and never been able to eclipse those six assists, but this season he’s gotten back to his best.
At 23-years old, Bailey still has his best years ahead of him, which is scary considering the Jamaican winger already has 11 goals and eight assists in all competitions, looking to get double digits in both goals and assists, which is something that could really help the Toffees. Bailey’s versatility would also be perfect for a Carlo Ancelotti side, with the winger playing in six different positions since the start of the season in various formations, something which you’d expect from a Peter Bosz side.
Bailey currently averages a 7.25 in the Bundesliga, making him the second-best right-winger in the Bundesliga, based on average rating, only behind England and Dortmund superstar Jadon Sancho. He’s a complete package, being able to take people on in the dribble or play an important pass to get an assist; his 2.6 dribbles per game show this, along with his 1.6 key passes.
His versatility can also translate in the way he plays; Bailey is able to play as a stereotypical winger, hugging the touchline and playing crosses into the box, or he can play as an inside forward, cutting inside and shooting on his stronger left foot, similar to a player like Arjen Robben.
He’s also interested in playing for an English club. Bailey himself said: “Fundamentally, my dream has always been, and still is, to play in England,” so it’s clear that the winger wants to play in England, and with the rumours saying that Leverkusen would be looking for at least £35 million, an amount which could end up being a steal for Everton.