Everton are a club in deep crisis. They face the uphill task of coming out of the drop zone. The squad needs major strengthening in the winter transfer window if they are to even stand a chance of surviving in the relegation battle. Chelsea attacker Hakim Ziyech has been surprisingly linked with Everton.
There are singings that come in and change the face of the club. Everton are desperately in need of one such player who can be their talisman and his influential performances can help the Toffees secure Premier League status for next season. Sadly, Everton are not in such a strong position to attract a big name signing, nor do they have the necessary funds to pull off a big transfer.
Nonetheless, EFC still need to sign attackers in the winter transfer window as the current squad is lacking the bite in the final third. Arnaut Danjuma has been signed on loan but EFC are struggling to create chances.
Alex Iwobi is Everton’s only creator and in games where he is not able create chances, the Toffee attack falls to the ground, looking toothless and unimaginative. Even wingers aren’t able to supplement well enough in the attack, raising serious concerns over the team’s effectiveness while going forward.
Everton keen on Chelsea attacker Hakim Ziyech
According to the Daily Mail, Everton are interested in Chelsea attacker Ziyech. The Moroccan is not an integral part of Graham Potter’s squad and has largely been a rotational option for the Blues. It is only because of injuries to Raheem Sterling and Christian Pulisic, Ziyech got an extended run in the team.
Chelsea have also acquired Mykhailo Mudryk and Noni Madueke, further strengthening their flanks. This could leave Ziyech with extremely limited playing time. Chelsea will discuss bids for the Moroccan as a number of sides remain keen on the 30 year old. Everton would highly benefit from someone like Ziyech, who can operate on the right flank as well as an attacking midfielder and create goalscoring opportunities in abundance.
However, the Toffees stand a little chance to lure the Moroccan in January. When Frank Lampard was at Chelsea, he played a vital role in attracting the Moroccan to Stamford Bridge. With Lampard’s position as Everton boss under heavy scrutiny, Ziyech won’t be tempted with the pull of Lampard.
Secondly, the Toffees are in a relegation mess and Ziyech would not want to join a club that is battling relegation, especially, when there are better offers at the table. Barcelona and AS Roma will be able to offer European football to the former Ajax man. Everton cannot compete with these clubs and Ziyech wouldn’t choose Everton over the suitors, at least not based on the current situation.
Do the Toffees have a realistic chance of landing Hakim Ziyech?