With the arrivals of Tom Cleverly and Gerard Deulofeu, Everton seem to be moving quickly in strengthening the squad for next season. However, one area that Roberto Martinez seems to be reluctant to improve is his options up front. Despite scoring 20 goals last season, Romelu Lukaku’s displays have been wildly inconsistent, whilst Arouna Kone has failed to convince anyone he has the ability to lead the line and score goals on a regular basis. The manager has also said in the past that Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas can also operate as auxiliary strikers, but this is very much as case of square pegs in round holes.
Essentially, we are far too reliant on Lukaku for goals, and as a result we desperately need someone else of sufficient quality to help share the burden up top. David Henen has just arrived permanently, but at 19 and no real senior experience, it’s unlikely he’ll provide an answer in the short-term.
Obviously, goals are the name of the game and that’s why strikers are the most expensive footballers. Consequently, savvy use of the loan market once again may the way around this problem, as was the case with Lukaku originally.
There aren’t a great deal of options out there, but perhaps one or two of these suggestions could provide that extra competition that we quite clearly need.
Javier Hernandez – The Mexican is out of favour at Old Trafford, having spent last season on loan at Real Madrid, and as he enters the final year of his contract, there’s every chance he could be available for a reasonable price or a loan move. He would clearly offer a different threat to anything we have currently at the club. At 27, he has vast amounts of Premier League experience and ultimately knows were the net is. Wages could potentially be a problem, which is why a loan move would probably be more feasible.
James Wilson – The youngster is rated highly at Old Trafford, but with United likely to strengthen their striking options this summer, he may find himself temporarily shipped out on loan. He’s made only 14 league appearances, so obviously this would represent a gamble in terms of whether he would be able to cut it, but a loan move might mean this is a risk worth taking.
Patrick Bamford – The Chelsea man spent last season on loan at Championship club Middlesbrough, and was crucial in their charge for promotion, scoring 17 goals in 39 games. With Costa and Remy ahead of him, the arrival of Falcao at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea may be tempted to enhance his development further by loaning him to a Premier League club. Like Wilson, this would represent at gamble with Bamford having no Premier League experience, but on loan this could be a no brainer.
Charlie Austin – Despite scoring 18 goals last season, Austin was relegated with QPR. The Englishman though was consistently impressive and earned a call up to the England squad. He would undoubtedly provide much needed competition up front. However, with QPR slapping a £15m price tag on him, he is more than likely well out of Everton’s price range.
Perhaps it might be worth looking into the likes of Jovetic, Remy. Both experienced players who are out of favour. They’re obviously slightly on the optimistic side and wages would most likely be an issue, but I think it’s imperative that we add at least one new striker to the squad who can help share the scoring burden. Hopefully Martinez realises this, despite what he says in public.
Is there anyone else not mentioned here who could realistically add something to the squad?
