Everton are planning to move for Montpellier attacker Ryad Boudebouz. Ronald Koeman is set to sign a number of attackers to bolster their chances in the next season. The Toffees will be participating in the Europa League and Koeman needs some variety in the attacking options before preparing for a European campaign. Ryad Boudebouz has been the main man for the Montpellier as he has contributed with 11 goals and nine assists this season.
Newly promoted Newcastle United are also weighing their options and might make a move for the player. The Magpies had an excellent season in the Championship as they made all the way from relegation to a champion team in a single season. Everton will go head to head as a rigorous transfer war is expected to start regarding the Algerian’s transfer.
The 27-year-old had a transfer spoiled to Liverpool in 2012 when he was playing for Sochaux in 2012. But this season a move to the Premier League is seemingly possible as Everton is ready to meet his £8.5m valuation. The 27-year-old has been capped 24 times by Algeria and could be the third Algerian player to play in the Premier League after Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani.
Fellow French clubs are also reportedly having talks with Montpellier for a potential transfer and the Toffees need to make sure they won’t fall behind in the race. Swansea City also had a chance to sign him but talks materialise as expected and they went on to sign Luciano Narsingh later.
Boudebouz makes his stand on his transfer recently.
”Certainly, my agent is in talks with some clubs, particularly in France, but there is still nothing concrete. There is also Liverpool, who have initiated discussions with my agent, but at the risk of repeating myself, everything is in the discussion stage, no more.”
There is always a risk of taking a new player but it would be very premature to judge him before he has even come on board the Premier League. A substantial offer will allow the French club to let him free and given the current position, the Toffees have a very realistic chance to sign him.
Ross Barkley hasn’t decided on his future although Koeman has already served an ultimatum to him. There is a huge possibility that Barkley might leave and in that case, it is quite obvious that Koeman has to make some signings to fill his void.
