If a recent report from German outlet Bild is believed to be true, Everton are eyeing a summer move for Wolfsburg attacker Josip Brekalo who is available for around €15m. The promising Croatian had an impressive Bundesliga run and his majestic display has now drawn the attention of an array of suitors including Leeds United, Fiorentina, Napoli and AC Milan.
The 22-year-old progressed through the youth ranks of Dinamo Zagreb before being scouted and roped in by Wolves (back in the summer of 2016) for a fee in the region of €10m. He subsequently spent a year out on loan with VfB Stuttgart and eventually cemented a starting status at Wolfsburg down the left-hand flank.
Despite showing early promises, the Toffees failed to maintain the momentum and only managed a 10th-placed league finish in Carlo Ancelotti’s first full season at Goodison Park. They must show some consistency to restore the lost pride and invest sensibly to avoid another setback next season.
Ready To Shine At The Highest Level
With 7 goals and 3 assists in 29 league appearances, the youngster has depicted his potential and attributes to shine at the highest level. Brekalo’s hat-trick against Union Berlin proved to be crucial in securing a Champions League berth and the upcoming Euro 2020 competition would offer him the platform to showcase his mastery for the Chequered Ones.
Although he has also been deployed on the right, the right-footed forward prefers to operate from the left to act as an inverted winger. He loves to dribble, cut inside and make on-target attempts from in and around the box. His pace and swift footwork allow him to take on the defenders in 1v1 situations and the skillset exhibited so far by him should see him flourish in England if a transfer takes place in the due course of time.
Why Everton Must Step Up The Chase
Ancelotti, who has now joined Real Madrid, has preferred a 4-2-3-1 on most occasions where the likes of James Rodriguez, Richarlison, Alex Iwobi, Bernard and Theo Walcott have been utilized as the wide attacking options. Walcott, however, was offloaded on loan (to Southampton) as he failed to stake a claim in the manager’s plan, whereas Rodriguez could not live up to the expectations in spite of a bright start following his high-profile arrival in the autumn. A £34m move for Iwobi has not worked out either, also the contribution of Bernard has been highly insignificant over the past three years.
Richarlison has been exquisite though with his goal-poaching traits and Everton, therefore, must step up the chase for Josip Brekalo to form a stable frontline.
