Everton are facing several problems in the transfer window. The first and foremost aim is to replace Richarlison, who left for a fee of around £60 million, giving the Toffees some room to spend money in the transfer window. A player who has been linked to Everton multiple times this transfer window is Maxwel Cornet.
Cornet could be a candidate to replace Richarlison. The Ivory Coast international signed for Burnley last summer and in a disastrous campaign for the Clarets, Cornet managed to put in brilliant individual performances. The 25 year old was Burnley’s top scorer, putting nine goals past the goalkeeper in the Premier League.
His versatility and raw ability to navigate through defenders make him a dangerous player to have in your side. Cornet can operate as a left winger and also as a second striker in a two striker formation. Richarlison also was deployed on the left wing in a front three and partnered Dominic Calvert-Lewin when a front two formation was used.
With Burnley’s relegation, chances of the 25 year old leaving Turf Moor have shot up. In case of Burnley’s relegation, the Ivorian has a release clause in his contract that allows any club to snatch the forward for €20.5 million (£17.5 million). Knowing about this clause, a number of Premier League clubs have shown interest in the former Olympique Lyon forward.
Everton face competition from Nottingham Forest for Maxwel Cornet
Everton were one of the first sides to register interest. In fact, the Toffees have also launched an offer for the Ivorian, offering £5 million this year and then a compulsion to buy Cornet next season for £20 million. This hints that the Toffees do not really have that amount of funds to make a one-shot payment for Cornet, otherwise, why would the Toffees end up paying more for him if they can sign him for £17.5 million.
Competition is immense and newly promoted Nottingham Forest are keen to sign the Ivorian. According to The Athletic, Cornet is an urgent target for Steve Cooper’s side. Everton and Fulham have been mentioned as suitors but none of the sides have yet met the release clause that stands at £17.5 million.
As for the 25 year old, he wants to return to playing Premier League football but prefers a move to a side that can offer him European football opportunities. At the moment, Everton, Fulham, or Forest are not even remotely close to offering him European football.
The Toffees may find it difficult to ward off Nottingham’s interest on financial grounds, given that the newly promoted side is in much better economical trajectory than the Toffees. Nottingham Forest’s net spend is £69 million and they are not shying away from splashing further cash to attract talented players. Sadly, Everton does not enjoy the same financial privilege.
Will the Royal Blues manage to sign Maxwel Cornet?