In the concluding hours of the winter transfer window deadline day, Everton managed to sign Joshua King on loan from AFC Bournemouth to add reinforcements in the attack as Cenk Tosun and Anthony Gordon departed on loans.
The departure of Tosun left Everton with no backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin and bare minimum options in the frontline. King’s arrival boosts the squad depth as his versatility provides multiple solutions. Capable of playing on either wing in a 4-3-3 or a 4-4-2 or also as a second forward, King’s ability to mould himself as per the shape and situation is a big asset for Everton, especially when Ancelotti tinkers with the shape frequently.
However, since signing for the Toffees, King hasn’t started a game for the club and has been restricted to just off the bench appearances so far, 8 in total. The Norwegian has solid goalscoring numbers and can give respectable returns if given regular minutes on the field. Of course, the 29 year old is not going to pip Calvert-Lewin in the pecking order but starting some games where his directness and raw burst of pace can help Everton make a difference, he should be a strong candidate to start.
Just 117 minutes of football in Everton colours is too little to pass a verdict whether he has been able to have a positive impact or not but from every substitute appearance, he has showcased his strong traits and tried to aid Everton’s cause. Ancelotti stated before the Burnley game that King is now ready to start games soon and can play in multiple setups.
Fenerbahce are tracking Joshua King
However, King is yet to sign a permanent deal at Everton with the call on his future to be taken at the end of the season. Keeping in mind his current situation, Fenerbahce are tracking the 29 year old forward, as per Turkish media outlet Fanatik.
Fener have already been linked to Aaron Boupendza of Hatayspor, courtesy of a free goalscoring run of 18 goals in 26 Super Lig games. King is a surprise name that has emerged in Turkey who could be released at the end of the season should Everton opt against signing him permanently in the summer.
Two weeks ago, another report stated that Everton have a desire to sign King permanently as Ancelotti seems to have found the right backup to DCL. The Toffees have already paid £2 million of the deal which is reported to be around £5 million. A lot will depend on Moise Kean’s decision too, if he decides to give another shot at succeeding at Merseyside, Everton may not necessarily need another backup.
Will Joshua King stay at Merseyside beyond this season?