Strengthening the striker position remains a priority for Everton this summer. Everton were reduced to bare and bones last season and had to play multiple games without a recognized and reliable striker in the lineup. In order to solve this issue, EFC are considering a move for Almeria striker El Bilal Toure.
When Dominic Calvert-Lewin is on the pitch, Everton look like a different side going forward. He certainly brings sharpness and incisiveness to the attack but his abysmal fitness record has often meant that the Toffees operate without a focal point up top. Even when Neal Maupay has started, the Frenchman has not offered much threat in front of the goal, leaving EFC toothless and clueless in the attack.
As a result, Everton were the second-lowest goalscoring side in the 2022-23 Premier League season with just 34 goals in 38 games. In order to avoid a third consecutive relegation battle next season, the Merseysiders need to strengthen their strike force and find goals on a regular basis.
Everton will have to pay hefty fees to sign El Bilal Toure
Everton have been linked to Bilal Toure previously. The links have resurfaced again as Football Insider claims that Everton are keeping tabs on Bilal Toure. In fact, they are not the only side keen on the Malian international as Burnley, West Ham United and Wolves are also considering a move for the 21 year old. Almeria have slapped a price tag of £34 million on their prized asset.
Another report from Diario de Almeria (via Sport Witness) confirms Everton’s interest in the 21 year old. The Spanish publication claims that first approaches have already taken place and the La Liga side remains open to selling Bilal Toure and they consider £34 million price tag to be affordable for the English sides.
However, a report from Football Espana claims that Everton and the rest of the interested parties will try to bring down the asking price to £17.1 million. Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen are also closely following Bilal Toure’s situation as teams queue up for the Malian.
The Toffees will need to move quickly as it is believed that out of the five sides interested in Bilal Toure, the first side that can offer £34 million to Almeria and negotiate with the player’s entourage will acquire the services of the Mali international.
The 21 year old netted seven goals in 21 La Liga games. The £34 million asking price is too high for a player who is unproven in England and still needs to refine his game. EFC could instead push for cheaper options that fit well in Sean Dyche’s mould of strikers.