Everton have roped in James Tarkowski on a Bosman, but the exit of Richarlison has been a huge setback in their battle for restoring the lost pride after a dismal year. They must find someone to succeed the Brazilian high up the pitch and according to The Mirror, Watford’s Emmanuel Dennis has emerged as one of the shortlisted targets following their demotion to the Championship.
Richarlison was roped in from Watford back in 2018 for a fee of around £35m ( potentially rising to £50m). The Selecao international spent four seasons at Goodison before leaving for Tottenham Hotspur a couple of days ago. The Toffees are now plotting another raid at Vicarage Road and the Nigerian, despite the Hornets’ horrendous Premier League run, has grabbed the attention for his attacking contribution.
The 24-year-old Super Eagles international began his career at Kwara Football Academy Ilorin back in the homeland. He made his senior debut for the Ukrainian outfit Zorya Luhansk and was eventually roped in by Belgian giants Club Brugge a year later. Although he was mostly a regular in the Jupiler Pro League, an ambitious loan move to FC Köln did not work out in the winter of 2021. However, that did not stop Watford from snapping him up for £3m after being promoted to the Premier League last year.
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Why Everton Should Secure A Deal For Dennis
Meanwhile, the Hornets have set a valuation of £20m for Dennis. He scored 10 and laid on 6 goals in 33 Premier League outings and the Toffees, who have earned £50m (plus £10m add-ons) from Richarlison’s sale, should reinvest a portion of it for the versatile attacker.
Everton’s takeover talks have taken a hit, but the earnings from Richarlison’s departure have helped them balance the books for the next rolling three-year period amid FFP concerns. The show must go on at Goodison Park and the profile of the Nigerian ticks many boxes, particularly his ability to feature across the frontline.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin had an underwhelming season due to form and fitness reasons. The Three Lions hitman must revive his form while spearheading their attack, and a successful transfer should see Dennis challenge and cover the Englishman. He could also be deployed from the left as an inverted winger, a role Richarlison enjoyed quite a lot during his Toffees’ tenure.
Everton have an array of other attacking options in their ranks. Alex Iwobi, Demarai Gray, Anthony Gordon and Andros Townsend are there to operate from the wide, whereas veteran Salomon Rondon offers depth and directness in the ‘number 9’ role. Frank Lampard might need more attacking reinforcements going forward, but the board must opt for Dennis before the window is slammed shut.
