MY ACCOUNT
Everton have been linked with moves for a whole host of forwards — now Frank Lampard must decide who can put an end to their attacking woes.
The Toffees have scored just 11 Premier League goals this term, with only bottom two sides Nottingham Forest and Wolves mustering fewer from their opening 13 games.
As a result, a first-class forward will surely be at the top of the Merseysiders’ shopping list for January.
Ahead of Everton’s clash with Leicester, we consider some potential candidates for a Goodison Park switch this winter.
Cody Gakpo
PSV Eindhoven forward Cody Gakpo is being strongly linked with a move away from the Netherlands — and it is easy to see why.
The Dutchman, 23, has taken his game to new heights of late, notching 21 goals and 23 assists in just 39 Eredivisie appearances since the start of last season.
In 2022-23, he leads the Dutch top flight for shots (47), shots on target (24), chances created (54), key passes (56) and shot-creating actions (93).
The left winger is a dynamic attacking threat and would certainly improve Everton. However, Gakpo is a man in demand and landing him will be difficult, particularly amid strong reported interest from Manchester United.
Jonathan David
Jonathan David is another talented young forward enjoying a stellar campaign.
The Canada international, 22, has scored nine times for Lille in Ligue 1 so far — placing him behind only Paris Saint-Germain stars Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in the division’s scoring charts.
Furthermore, only Mbappe and Lionel Messi have taken more shots than his 45, or hit the target more times than his 24.
David is clearly Ligue 1’s outstanding attacking talent this season outside of PSG’s megastars, so it would be a real coup if Everton were able to land him.
Mohammed Kudus
Everton could revive their interest in a player they tried to sign over the summer — Ajax’s Mohammed Kudus.
The Ghanaian, 22, was reportedly the subject of a bid from the Toffees and even stopped training for a period of time in an attempt to push the move through.
Kudus revealed in September that he was keen on a switch to the Premier League side, partly due to concerns about his playing time in the Netherlands.
He said: “Everton offered me a great opportunity and I wanted to try it. No footballer wants to sit on the bench and neither do I.
“Although I understood that not everyone can play all the time, Everton seemed like a good option at the time.
“It wasn’t that I didn’t want to train but I’m human and had a lot to deal with in a very short time. The chapter is now over and I’m still here.”
Kudus has scored five goals in just 321 Eredivisie minutes this term, possesses devastating dribbling ability and, most crucially, is clearly keen on a move to Goodison Park.
Ben Brereton Diaz
Blackburn’s Ben Brereton DIaz is another player that Everton explored a move for in the summer.
The 23-year-old finished third in the Championship’s scoring charts last season, netting on 22 occasions.
That tally left the Chilean international trailing behind only Dominic Solanke and 43-goal record-breaker Aleksandar Mitrovic.
He has continued his fine form this term, taking more shots than any other player in the division (58) and scoring eight times — only Blackpool’s Jerry Yates and Burnley’s Jay Rodriguez (both nine) have more.
With his contract situation still to be resolved at Ewood Park, Rovers may be willing to accept a cut-price bid from the Toffees in January to avoid losing their talisman on a free next summer.
The best fit?
Lampard is not especially short of numbers in the attacking department.
Star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has recently returned to the side, with Neal Maupay and Salomon Rondon providing alternative central options too.
Out wide, the Toffees have Anthony Gordon, Demarai Gray and Dwight McNeil, while Andros Townsend is closing in on a return from a cruciate ligament injury.
Therefore, Everton are under no pressure to sign a forward simply to make up the numbers. They can instead afford to be selective about bringing in a player that elevates the quality of their front line.
Gakpo and David would certainly be of the required calibre — but the Merseysiders are likely to face stiff competition from European heavyweights for their signatures.
If the aforementioned duo are unattainable, Kudus and Brereton Diaz represent sound alternatives.
Both have proven their scoring credentials and would be versatile acquisitions, with the former able to play in midfield and the latter comfortable out wide.
Crucially, both players appear far more within reach. Kudus has openly expressed his interest in a move, while Brereton Diaz could be available for a modest fee.
