According to Turkish news outlet, Sporx, Besiktas are keen to re-sign Everton’s Cenk Tosun in the summer transfer window. The forward was in attendance during Besiktas’ 2-1 win over Alanyaspor on Monday. The report further claims that the Turkish giants are trying to secure a loan deal. But Everton won’t allow Tosun to leave the club unless they sign a proper replacement.
Tosun’s tough season at Everton
Cenk has struggled to impress Everton manager Marco Silva since arriving from Besiktas for a fee of €22.5 million last summer. The Turkish international failed to add any productivity to the final third, scoring just three goals. Two of his three goals came in his first nine matches.
As a result, he was often overlooked by Silva and played second fiddle to Dominic-Calvert Lewin during the second half of the campaign. In fact, Silva didn’t hesitate in using Richarlison as the number nine even when Tosun was available.
Furthermore, only 10 of his 25 appearances in the league came from starts this season, with Silva often using him as a late substitute. However, in those ten games, Tosun scored only once, which came in the recent 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the final day of the season. This is enough to suggest how the Turkish international has struggled to adapt to his new life at Goodison Park this season.
Should Everton persist with Tosun next season?
Silva has promised that Everton will undergo a massive squad overhaul in the summer. That means we can expect the Portuguese to sign at least one new striker to bolster his ranks. And the departure of Tosun should help free up space for the new signings.
Another key factor behind Tosun’s potential departure from the club is how the forward has failed to integrate himself into Silva’s tactical setup this season. His intelligent runs and strong hold-up play have helped him free up spaces for the other attackers. But, his lack of scoring prowess has forced Everton to become overreliant on the services of Richarlison in terms of attacking productivity.
Hence, it would perhaps be wiser on Everton’s part to sell Tosun permanently this summer. His sale will help the Toffees fund the move for their new signings. It will also allow the highly talented Ademola Lookman to play a more prominent role at the club next season.
As for Besiktas, the addition of Tosun should resolve their lack of depth in the attacking department. The player, himself, will also receive regular game-time – making this a beneficial deal for all the parties involved.
