Everton are in a precarious situation. This statement has been recurring over the past twelve months and there seems to be no end to this vicious cycle. In need of attacking reinforcements, Frank Lampard has already recalled Ellis Simms from his loan spell and is now eyeing Montpellier striker Elye Wahi.
Goalscoring and being effective in the final third has been big issue for the club. With just 13 goals in 17 games, Everton have the third lowest goal tally this season and the absence of Dominic Calvert-Lewin upfront also has affected the club’s goalscoring efficiency.
The likes of Anthony Gordon, Demarai Gray and Dwight McNeil have had turbulent phases and have been substandard at best. With Calvert-Lewin’s injury problems not going away, Lampard has recalled Simms from his loan spell at Sunderland, in hope of deploying the 21 year old in the frontline. The young Englishman has seven goals to his name this season in 17 Championship games.
It is unlikely that Simms will be a straight starter in the team but gives an energetic off the bench presence. The Toffees will further look to strengthen the attack and are doing work in the background to identify targets that can ease the goalscoring worries.
Everton considering a bid for Montpellier striker Elye Wahi
According to French media outlet Media Foot, Everton are eyeing a move for Montpellier forward Elye Wahi. The French forward, who turned 20 today, has burst onto the scene with his eye-catching performances for Montpellier, scoring seven goals in 15 Ligue 1 games.
Wahi, mainly operates as a centre forward but is capable of playing on the wing and drifting inside as a second attacker. He’s much more comfortable playing as the lone striker as he does in the Montpellier system and his movement is what grabs the attention.
Apart from Everton, Olympique Lyon are also tracking the 20 year old but Everton are said to be the biggest admirers of Wahi. The Toffees are strongly considering a move for the striker in the winter transfer window but the finances could be a stumbling block.
Montpellier will not have a deaf ear to offers for Wahi and will evaluate a suitable offer on the table. Transfermarkt value Wahi for €18 million but a fee of around €25 million will be expected for Montpellier to sanction the transfer.
Everton are not in the best of financial conditions and splashing the cash isn’t going to be easy. The money from Richarlison’s sale has already been reinvested so money needs to be spent very carefully as the Toffees may be walking on a tight rope when it comes to finances.
Should the Toffees sign Elye Wahi?