The summer transfer window has seen a number of Premier League clubs spend insane amounts of money on top transfer targets to help them compete with the best teams in the league and in Europe in the new season. Ronald Koeman, Everton’s new manager has made a decent start to his campaign winning two games and picking up a point from the other in his first three games in charge of the Toffees. He has also been a relatively busy man having purchased a number of players ahead of the next season. However, Koeman is still in the market for additions mainly to his attack even on deadline day. The likes of Yacine Brahimi and Moussa Sissoko have been linked with a move to the club but one player who might prove to be a perfect fit for Koeman is West Ham United’s Enner Valencia.
The Ecuador international moved to the Premier League a couple of years ago after West Ham United managed to procure his signature on a five-year contract for a fee estimated at £12 million. In the two years at the Boleyn Ground, the 26-year old has made 51 appearances with decreasing regularity and has now completely fallen out of favour under Slaven Bilic at the Olympic stadium, the new home for the Hammers. It was revealed that Swansea were closing on a loan move for the striker but Everton have now all but completed a deal for Valencia who might turn out to be a more than decent buy from the new manager.
Ronald Koeman is currently desperate for additions to his attack with Romelu Lukaku the only player who Koeman trusts to start games for the side. The manager has looked at a number of alternatives recently with the likes of Lucas Perez high on the wish list but Valencia might just be the right man for Koeman.
At 26 years of age, the West Ham man is one of the best finishers in his country. He can score goals from different angles and ranges and is comfortable beating his player with the ball at his feet. He is more than capable of leading a side’s attacking line but is at his very best playing off of a main striker which helps him create space for himself and also for his teammates.
He is not the strongest player around and may be a liability but if given enough time to prove himself, Valencia has what it takes to excel under Ronald Koeman. As already mentioned, Lukaku is the only senior centre-forward at the club who has the ability to help Everton compete with the best with the likes of OumarNiasse and Arouna Kone as the only other quality options to cover for him.
The West Ham man is surely an upgrade on the squad and will take a place on the bench and will assume a role of an impact substitute. He can also form a deadly partnership with the Belgian in front of goal and can help revive his own career. Valencia is a smart option for Everton as he will add a different dimension to the club’s attacking line. He is a more than decent back-up for Lukaku and Koeman will hope that he can justify his move if he makes one before the deadline day. Do you think Everton need Enner Valencia this summer?
