In a recent interview with Goodison News, former Premier League forward Kevin Campbell has reckoned that Everton could move in for AC Milan striker Rafael Leão this summer. Campbell said,
“I wouldn’t be surprised about Everton pursuing the lad from AC Milan [Rafael Leao]. Moise Kean is probably going to be sold because he’s done really well [at PSG] and they’d make good money on him.
“Ellis Simms is a decent young player but he’s not started any games in the Premier League so he’s just starting out in his career, for me it’s too much to ask, especially when you have ambitions of getting into Europe.
“Everton are looking to progress and they are making progress in the league. Next season, let’s say they just miss out or got into Europe, either or, they’re expected to have a better season next year, so you’re expecting better players to come into the football club.”
Leao’s Up And Down Season At San Siro
Leao is having an inconsistent season in Milan as he has struggled to score goals regularly as a key member of Stefano Pioli’s attack. The Portuguese sensation has scored seven goals and provided five assists in 34 appearances for the Italian outfit this term across multiple competitions.
However, the 21-year-old deserves some credit for averaging 1.5 shots, 0.7 key passes and 1.3 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A and the UEFA Europa League this season. However, he needs to improve his accuracy when linking up play with others around him in the attacking third based on his pass completion rate of 76% in both those competitions (stats via whoscored).
Should The Toffees Bring Leao To Merseyside This Summer?
Leao is blessed with electric pace that allows him to beat the offside trap and get in behind the opponent’s backline. He is an excellent dribbler with the ball at his feet and excels at generating a yard of space for himself to get a shot in on-target. Hence, the AC Milan striker has what it takes to add some healthy competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Goodison Park in the coming seasons.
The Portuguese youngster can use his powerful 1.88m frame to win some aerial duels for his team in the final third. However, he has to figure out a way to be more productive in front of the opposition goal. Therefore, one can argue whether Carlo Ancelotti should move in for someone like Leao rather than go for a more prolific and experienced forward in this off-season.
If the Merseyside outfit are planning to sell Moise Kean permanently this summer, it makes sense for them to recruit the AC Milan frontman as he has the potential to become a future star for them. With all things considered, Everton could benefit from bringing Leao to the northwest of England when the transfer window reopens later this year as long as they are planning to give him time to develop into a top talent.
