Everton on course to sign €15 million man as potential role outlined

Everton has reached an agreement to sign Sporting Lisbon striker Youseff Chermiti. The deal is not completed, however, as both sides are not set on a sell-on clause and other performance-related add-ons. The deal is around 15 to 20 million euros for the 19-year-old.

The holdup is between the 10% and 20 % sell-on clause that both clubs are offering. Sporting wants a higher sell-on clause than Everton is willing to go for at the moment. Everton are in need of attackers as they have lost out on numerous transfers in recent weeks.

This news is a bit surprising considering the lack of rumors linking the player to Everton and the timing of his career. Youseff Chermiti is a raw talent with physical tools that will fit well in the Premier League, but may not be able to contribute right away. This is especially important when taking into the context and situation of the club, fighting off relegation for two consecutive seasons.

What does Youssef Chermiti bring to Everton?

Chermiti is a vastly inexperienced player with just 22 total matches with Lisbon’s senior team. This past season he made 16 appearances in Liga Portugal, 9 of them starts and contributed 3 goals and 2 assists. He made 5 appearances in the Europa League with 1 start but did not tally any goals or assists. He stands a lanky 6 feet 4 inches offering a strong aerial threat, winning 51% of his aerial duels (86th percentile for forwards).

Examining a small sample size, Chermiti possesses strong expected goal numbers where 0.62 xG per 90 ranks in the 92nd percentile, non-penalty xG per shot is 0.18 (93rd percentile), and 1.28 shots on target per 90 (70th percentile). In addition, Chermiti averages 0.21 assists per 90 (90th percentile) and an average shot distance of 10 yards (9th percentile). He gets into good areas and is comfortable passing the ball (74 percentile in crosses per 90).

All of these numbers are promising given his age, but the lack of minutes needs to temper expectations. Chermiti would play a similar role to Dominic-Calvert Lewin, and possibly play beside him if manager Sean Dyche elects to go that route.

However, his best role in the team will be to back up DCL and make substitute appearances off the bench. This is a player who should develop under Sean Dyche, who works well with physical forwards. Bringing Chermiti is more of a long-term move for Everton while hoping he can improve the team now. EFC is still linked to other forward options, including Che Adams of Southampton. 

If the deal for Youseff Chermiti is completed, Everton should still look for another striking option, even if Neal Maupay does not leave the club. He is not good enough to be a part of the squad as he showed in several dreadful performances last season. The work is not over for the Toffees, and they must continue to improve the squad until the last minute of the transfer window.

Will Youssef Chermiti excel at Everton?