Despite being linked to half a dozen strikers already, Everton’s transfer activity has been dormant in the early days of the summer transfer window. The top transfer priority for Everton should be to sign a dangerous striker that can lead the line. Viktor Gyokeres certainly ticks those boxes but EFC might be missing out on their long time target.
Back in January, when Everton sold Anthony Gordon for £45 million, it was expected that a certain part of the money will go into signing a striker to save Everton’s season. The Toffees had been lingering in and around the relegation spots and needed a reliable goalscorer to get Everton going.
The Merseysiders had been one of the worst attacking sides in the league and ended up as the second lowest goalscoring club in the 2022-23 Premier League season. Manager Sean Dyche does not want a repeat of such abysmal numbers and is desperate to get a solid striker at Goodison Park. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s fitness remains a huge concern and its best to not gamble on his fitness and go into the new season with just one striker.
Everton to lose out on Viktor Gyokeres
Gyokeres was Everton’s target in January too with the club keeping an eye on the Swedish international. Back then, Coventry City were too stubborn to sell Gyokeres as the Championship side had a chance of securing Premier League promotion. Coventry lost to Luton Town in the Championship play off final and Coventry no longer can keep Gyokeres.
The 25 year old has been one of EFC’s top targets this summer. Everton face competition from Sporting CP as the Portuguese outfit views Gyokeres as one of the best options to bolster their attack. Sporting already submitted one bid of €12 million plus €3 million in add-ons which was rejected by Coventry City. The Championship side wants €20 million for the striker and EFC were also expected to submit their bid soon.
However, reports emerging from Portugal suggest that Sporting are way ahead of Everton in Gyokeres race. According to journalist Bruno Andrade, Sporting are in advanced talks to sign Gyokeres for €20 million. Coventry City will also retain a 35% future sell-on fee for the 25 year old. The Swedish striker recently changed his agents and the process of his transfer has accelerated. Sporting are confident of completing this deal.
This will be a huge blow to Everton’s hopes and transfer plans as Gyokeres was a top target for the Toffees. EFC now need to refocus on other striker targets and hope to get a deal done quickly or there will be a repeat of another Gyokeres situation.