Everton searching for Dominic Calvert-Lewin backup as Cenk Tosun exit talks surface
After several false dawns that in the end proved to be incompetent signings, Everton finally have a striker in their ranks who is clinical, quick and gives nightmares to defenders by not only being an adept goalscorer but also running down the channels to stretch defences. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is exactly what Everton wanted and needed after Romelu Lukaku’s departure in 2017.
It won’t be an exaggeration to say that Calvert-Lewin is the most important forward in the Everton frontline. Praise must go to Everton legend and current assistant coach Duncan Ferguson for polishing and fine-tuning Calvert-Lewin’s play as a striker. Everton have an absolute beast on their hands in Calvert-Lewin. What’s more exciting is that the 24-year-old still hasn’t peaked meaning there’s more to come from the striker.
After the disastrous spells of Sandro Ramirez and Cenk Tosun, DCL offers hope and he’s convincingly achieving the expected standards. In 2019-20 season, the man from Sheffield scored 15 goals in 41 games. He bettered his tally last season, netting 21 goals and all from open play. While Everton can be assured about Calvert-Lewin and his talent, there are concerns regarding a backup striker.
Last season, Tosun primarily acted as a backup to DCL in the first half but due to lack of game time the Turk left on loan to Besiktas. However, the 30-year-old suffered a horrific knee injury and has returned back to the Toffees. Tosun doesn’t seem to feature in Rafa Benitez’s plans as Everton are in search of a backup striker.
Cenk Tosun has been unimpressive in the role of a backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Everton
Tosun has done very little to assert himself in the royal blue jersey. In 58 games for the Toffees, the Turk has scored 11 times, not impressive numbers for a striker. His troubled time in Merseyside could come to an end as the player is in talks with the club for contract termination.
According to Turkish media outlet Fotomac, Besiktas is closely monitoring Tosun’s situation as the 30 year old continues to negotiate his contract termination. The Super Lig giants are ready to pay €1.5 million a year to Tosun but before that he’ll have to sort out his contract with Everton.
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The Merseysiders have been linked with a number of strikers in the summer transfer window. Haris Seferovic was a name that was highlighted post the Euros. Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon found himself getting linked with a move to Goodison. Rondon is admired by Benitez as the duo worked together at Newcastle United in 2018.
When Rafa Benitez took the job at Dalian Professional in 2019, he bought Rondon from West Brom, reuniting with the 31 year old. Now, it appears that the Spaniard wants to reunite again with Rondon as the Toffees look for a backup striker.
Logically, the Royal Blues do have another striker in the ranks in Moise Kean but his future also remains up in the air as PSG desires to take him on another loan. Everton’s stance is pretty clear that they sanction another loan for Kean, they’ll only study permanent transfer bids.
Even if Kean ends up staying at Goodison Park, he won’t be willing to accept a backup role especially after shining last season at PSG, posting the best season numbers of his career. Before the end of the transfer window, the situation will be crystal clear and by then the Toffees may also have signed a striker who can act as a backup to Calvert-Lewin.
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Which striker can be a solid backup to Dominic Calvert-Lewin?