A strong end to the campaign has galvanised Everton into scripting further advancement from the next season onwards. They narrowly missed out on a potential European place finish, but the stability has been restored and the gaffer Marco Silva is already plotting his summer targets to work on the specific areas of the squad.
According to Sky Sports, the Toffees are ‘very interested’ in roping in Aleksandar Mitrovic from Fulham. The relegated Cottagers would love to keep hold of the Serbian for an immediate promotion push, but the striking sensation is preferring to stay in the Premier League over contesting in the second tier of English football.
The 24-year-old centre-forward completed an initial £22m (rising to £27m with performance-based add-ons) transfer from Newcastle United last summer after securing Fulham a return to the top-flight exhibiting his stupendous scoring streak while on loan.
He also netted 11 times this term in 37 league outings, however, failed to escape a relegation scare following a collective failure. The Londoners would understandably try to retain their star attacker beyond the summer window, but Mitrovic must have his own aspirations about making his mark in Europe’s most celebrated football league.
Everton, meanwhile, require a prolific ‘number 9’ to succeed Cenk Tosun who has been highly disappointing throughout the previous campaign. Dominic Calvert-Lewin had some impressive occasions while spearheading the attack, but the youngster is more suited in a free role similar to Richarlison.
Silva is eyeing a targetman with physicality as well as aerial supremacy to dominate inside the box along with expertise in the hold-up play to distort the opponents’ defensive organisation. Mitrovic has all these traits; therefore, fits the bill to meet the requirement. Although he has to be far more consistent to shine in the Toffees’ colours, the improvement showcased of late deserves appreciation.
The Merseysiders are still undergoing a transition despite splashing the cash. They were in complete catastrophe midway through the campaign, yet the management opted to retain their young Portuguese chief and got rewarded for the same at the end of the season.
Everton, however, needs to improve their away form to challenge the ‘big six’ for a European place finish. The manager must keep up the good work after a steady start but, at the same time, require the right tools to take the club forward following years of uncertainty and underachievement.
