Everton were thought to be an estimable Premier League force longing for a place in Europe after their summer spending spree. Things, however, turned out completely out of favour for the Toffees who were forced to part ways with Ronald Koeman following a series of dismal outings and brought in Sam Allardyce as his replacement. Despite an initial upsurge under ‘Big Sam’, the Merseysiders are once again struggling to secure results and clinging on to a ‘top half’ finish. Prior to the January Transfer Window, they were struggling in front of goal and completed the high-profile signing of Turkish hitman Cenk Tosun who had a sensational scoring record at Besiktas before completing a £27 mil winter switch.
The 26-year-old, however, has struggled to settle in and is already plotting a return to his former club prior to the next campaign as per latest rumours. Although he grabbed his maiden goal for his new club on Saturday afternoon against Burnley, Everton had to suffer yet another defeat and Tosun’s performance is yet to convince the fans as well as management despite limited opportunities. It is difficult to predict whether the club is being impatient or the player himself is desperate to draw an end to his England stint, one thing is pretty clear that Everton will be looking to reinvest in their attack during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Here are three players who can be viewed as Tosun’s replacement and can offer a permanent solution to their striker conundrum.
Luis Muriel
Age: 26
Country: Colombia
Current Club: Sevilla
The Colombian international rose to fame a few years back following a sensational campaign with Serie A side Udinese but could not quite maintain the momentum and faded off lately. Muriel, however, redefined himself to some extent during the previous campaign with Sampdoria and earned a move a La Liga heavyweights Sevilla F.C. last summer. He started the campaign as the backup option of Wissam Ben Yedder but grabbed a starting role later on and is now doing a decent job up front. He is not an orthodox ‘fox in the box’ forward but offers pace, mobility as well as physical presence in the opposition’s box. Everton, who are lacking enough speed in their attacking third, might find their solution in Luis Muriel.
Moussa Marege
Age: 26
Country: Mali
Current Club: F.C. Porto
Marega joined Porto a couple of years back, but an unimpressive start to life at Portugal saw him being loaned out to Portuguese outfit Vitoria Guimaraes. There he redefined his form and a return to Porto last summer is now working for him quite well. The Malian has already netted 18 times this season and is terrorizing the opponents with speed, power, holding ability, composure and finishing traits. He, too, is known for his mobility in the attacking third and can be utilized in a wide role as well.
Callum Wilson
Age: 26
Country: England
Current Club: AFC Bournemouth
Might sound bizarre, but Wilson is truly one underrated Englishman despite being in the scoresheet whenever he has played for AFC Bournemouth since their Premier League promotion back in 2015. Although his career has been marred by unfortunate long-term injuries, the former England young international has turned up on every occasion and scripted his return with goals. He is much better than what the Toffees currently have in their ranks and they should try a move for the Cherries’ hitman who is well aware of the arduousness of Premier League football.
