Everton keeping tabs on £11 million rated VfL Wolfsburg attacker
From the time Carlo Ancelotti stated that the club is looking for an attacker in the summer transfer window who can help Everton play an expansive brand of football, a flurry of names have been linked to the club. VfL Wolfsburg winger Josip Brekalo is the latest name linked with the Toffees.
Lack of quality on the flanks has been Everton’s Achilles heel this season. This was one of the reasons why the Toffees were slow and ineffective in the final third on several occasions. Ancelotti has made it clear that he wants to sign a winger with goal scoring pedigree, helping the team be more courageous and expansive in the attacking half.
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Alex Iwobi has underperformed and has seen his role reduced to a substitute. Two goals and three assists in 36 appearances is not a glowing endorsement of the Nigerian’s quality. Bernard has also failed to convince Ancelotti to include him regularly in the team’s plans. Perhaps, the Brazilian could be on the move in the summer after a failed transfer in January.
Richarlison can play on the left flank and has been effective in that position, creating space and offering speed but in the current formation, Ancelotti prefers to have the Brazilian as a striker in a two striker setup.
Everton have kept an eye on Josip Brekalo
Everton are in the hunt to sign a winger and as per German outlet Bild, VfL Wolfsburg winger Josip Brekalo is being watched by the Toffees. There is interest from Leeds United as well for the 22 year old whereas Italian teams Fiorentina, SSC Napoli and AC Milan are also keen on the Croatian.
Brekalo had a decent campaign with Wolfsburg, scoring seven times and providing four assists in 33 games. Now, these aren’t sensational numbers but for a player of his age, he is on the right path. The 22 year old offers typical winger characteristics on the table.
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Pace and dribbling are some of his strongest traits and he has a tendency to cut inside to shift on the right and make an attempt at goal. The Croat averages 2.33 shots per game, along with 2.2 dribbles and 2.28 carries in the final third. Brekalo is well known for his burst of pace and ability to get out of tight pockets of spaces. (stats via FBref)
While the Croat can improve on his passing skills, he is exciting to watch and often amazes his fans with neat dribbling. The Toffees are keeping eye on an attacker who is yet to hit his peak but has shown signs of his capabilities.
Brekalo has a market value of £10.80 million (Transfermarkt) and since his contract runs till 2023, the report mentions that Wolfsburg will keep a price tag of around €15 million (£12.8 million) on the 22 year old.
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Is Josip Brekalo a suitable option for the flanks?