In a recent report, Goal has revealed how Daryl Dike has emerged as a transfer target of Everton. The Toffees are not alone in the hunt with the likes of Leeds, Newcastle United, Chelsea and Manchester United having registered interest in the USMNT international over a potential summer transfer.
The 21-year-old Orlando City star enjoyed a blistering loan stint at Barnsley. The Tykes defied the odds last season to secure a play-off place finish and lost only thrice in the regular Championship campaign following Dike’s arrival in the winter transfer window. The youngster fired in 9 times in 21 league appearances while spearheading the attack but has returned to his parent club now after failing to secure Premier League football.
Barnsley would have loved to retain his services for the upcoming term but are not capable of meeting a £14m valuation. They must have been counting on the top-flight promotion to generate funds, however, the play-off heartbreak has sent them back to square one prior to next season.
Why Everton Must Step Up The Chase
Although the striking sensation has drawn the attention of the English hotshots with his pace, power and precision, the speculations do not excite him much as he concentrates on his season objectives with Orlando City.
“For me, all that stuff is kinda extra noise. Obviously for me, I’ve been blessed to go on the experience at Barnsley and play with the national team as well. I’ve had a lot of experiences and I kind of told myself from the beginning I want to bring back everything that I’ve learned about the new culture, learned about the new style of play and come back here and kind of see how I’ve grown as a player.”
Dike mentioned to MLS Soccer in a recent interview.
Everton, meanwhile, are yet to find Carlo Ancelotti’s successor. The rumour of former Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez has led to a frenzy of rage in the Blue half of Merseyside, but the club are also working on strengthening their current setup under Marcel Brands. The Toffees’ director of football is aware of the limitations in the attacking third, particularly the ‘number 9’ slot where they need someone to challenge and cover Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Cenk Tosun has not been able to settle in due to form and fitness concerns. Moise Kean, impressive on loan at PSG, is keen on a return to Juventus and draw an end to his Goodison nightmare. Daryl Dike, therefore, remains a feasible alternative for Everton who holds all the attributes to succeed in the top tier of English football.
