Back in the January transfer window when Everton were frantically looking for attacking reinforcements, the name of Anthony Elanga surfaced. The Manchester United attacker was looking for a temporary exit and Everton seemed interested in the talented youngster. In the end, the move did not materialize but EFC could now have a shot at the Swedish international.
The Toffees were in desperate need of attacking reinforcements in January. They had sold Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United for £45 million and were looking for a replacement. The Merseysiders enquired about Elanga as they wanted to take him on a loan for the rest of the season.
However, the nervous environment around a relegation threatened side saw Erik ten Hag block a loan move for Elanga to Everton. The Toffees did push even during the final days of the winter transfer window but were handed disappointment. EFC managed to escape relegation by the finest margins and a rebuild is expected this summer.
Everton must consider signing Anthony Elanga
EFC will need attacking reinforcements and now is a good time to reignite their hopes of signing Elanga from Manchester United. The 21 year old has endured a horrific second half of the season, starting just once in 2023 and not making a single Premier League appearance in the last two months.
His last league appearance during the 7-0 humiliation against Liverpool where Elanga came on as a substitute for five minutes. According to Manchester Evening News, United have slashed their asking price for Elanga from £20 million to £10 million. MUFC were prepared to loan Elanga out for next season but his minimal involvement in the first team has seen the hierarchy take a decision to offload him permanently.
Everton could make use of a versatile attacker Elanga. Although he likes to play on the left flank, he can even operate as a centre forward. The Swede’s sudden change in pace allows him to draw his opponents close and then beat them with a burst of pace.
Dwight McNeil currently plays on the left flank and has been one of the best performers under Sean Dyche. However, the Toffees have just three fit wingers in their ranks – Alex Iwobi, Demarai Gray and McNeil. Andros Townsend’s deal expires at the end of the season and it looks unlikely that he’ll be offered an extension. With Elanga’s capability to even play as a forward, he is surely a player to be looked at. He not only adds depth to the flanks but also gives Dyche an out of the box option for the centre forward role.
Should EFC sign Anthony Elanga?