Everton are just a step away from adding Youssef Chermiti from Sporting as the third signing of the summer transfer window. The Toffees are still determined to sign another striker to manage the goalscoring load and PSG striker Hugo Ekitike happens to be on Sean Dyche’s list of potential targets.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin recently returned to grass after suffering an injury blow towards the end of the season. In the 2022-23 season, the English striker ended up missing more than 50% of Premier League games because of injuries, heavily affecting the Toffees’ goal output and effectiveness in the attack. Everton cannot gamble on the Englishman’s fitness and need to sign at least two strikers to provide adequate back up and dissipate the goalscoring load.
Chermiti is not expected to be a starting striker. The Portuguese is likely to remain a third choice striker and continue his development in the background. Unless there is groundbreaking progress from the 19 year old, he won’t be challenging Calvert-Lewin for the starting role.
Everton negotiating a loan with an option to buy for PSG striker Hugo Ekitike
Everton are looking at another young yet impressive striker in Ekitike. The Frenchman signed for PSG on loan last summer and the move was made permanent this summer. PSG ended up paying £24.5 million for the 21 year old.
Ekiteke managed to make 25 Ligue 1 appearances, although 13 of them came off the bench, and netted three goals. He played a total of 1154 minutes in the French league, a considerable amount given that PSG housed a star studded frontline of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Neymar.
According to Fabrizio Romano, EFC have concrete interest in Ekitike. The Merseysiders are in talks to sign the 21 year old on a loan deal with an option to buy which could become an obligation to buy. PSG are open to doing business but want the whole package to amount around £30 million. Negotiations are at a very early stage but Everton continues to push for the former Stade Reims striker.
Ekitike has showed glimpse of his talent at PSG and managed to grab headlines despite playing in a team that featured Messi, Mbappe and Neymar. If Ekitike does arrive at Goodison Park, it would likely to be the final nail in the coffin for Neal Maupay as his exit would be almost certain. Perhaps, EFC will also sanction a loan deal for young forward Tom Cannon.
Will the Toffees succeed in signing Hugo Ekitike?