Everton’s search to replace Romelu Lukaku is still on and if rumours are to be believed, Porto’s hitman Vincent Aboubakar is next in the list, thought to be the Belgian’s successor at Goodison Park, with Everton visibly missing Lukaku’s goals this season.
Portuguese news outlet O Jogo reported that Everton’s scouts were present in the Porto vs Braga league game that was won by Porto 3-1, with Aboubakar scoring the third to cap off another useful display and continue what is proving to be another excellent season for the Cameroon international as he scored his 24th goal of the season and 15th in the league.
There is probably nobody else available who fits Lukaku’s profile as well as Aboubakar does. The Porto man is very powerful and fast for a man of his size, excellent with both feet and a devastating finisher. He makes full use of his frame as he is difficult to beat in the air and is good with his holdup play. What separates him from Lukaku to an extent is Aboubakar is a very good passer of the ball and often drifts wide to link play with his teammates. Just 26, he still has his best years ahead of him.
Moreover, in spite of not having a top league experience, Aboubakar has plenty of experience on the international stage and the Champions League, having played in the 2010 and 2014 World Cups, as well as the African Cup of Nations in 2015 and 2017, the latter providing the highlight of his career as he scored the winner just 2 minutes before the end of normal time vs Egypt.
5 goals in 5 games along with 2 assists in this year’s Champions League tell their own story as he’s shown his talents in the premier European competition this season, particularly unplayable in his side’s last group game vs French champions and last season’s CL semi-finalists Monaco, scoring twice and assisting another.
Everton spent heavily last summer in a bid to bridge the gap to the top 6 but the season hasn’t turned out as good as the Toffees’ would’ve hoped. The gaping hole left by Lukaku’s departure is still huge, with Sandro Ramirez sent back to Spain on loan to Sevilla, Rooney dropping to the bench and playing in midfield whenever he starts and Oumar Niasse not being good enough to lead the line every week. Aboubakar would be the perfect signing to fill possibly the last void in this expensively assembled Everton side and help them challenge the top 6.
