Kevin Mirallas is likely to be the subject of much interest in the summer, and there is a distinct possibility he may be moving on. Should that happen, who could Roberto Martinez replace him with? Here’s a few suggestions, some more realistic than others…
Evgen Konoplyanka – We all know how much Everton love a free transfer, and the Ukrainian’s contract with Dnipro runs out in the summer. A move to Liverpool fell through a year ago, and was more recently he was linked to the Blues in January along with a host of other clubs. Very much in the mould of Mirallas with plenty of pace and skill, he has plenty of international experience and is only 25. Konoplyanka certainly seems like an ideal replacement, but the Blues are likely to face stiff competition from around Europe should they pursue this avenue.
Andriy Yarmolenko – Konoplyanka’s international teammate, Yarmolenko, plays for Dynamo Kyiv. At 6ft 2, he is unusually tall for a wide man, but possesses good feet and an eye for goal. Predominantly left footed, at 25, he is at a good age and with only a year left on his contract come the summer, Kyiv may decide to cash in.
Ivan Perišić – Evertonians will remember Perišić from the game at Wolfsburg, and he certainly caught the eye that night. The Croatian saw a goal wrongly ruled out and was a constant threat. He impressed at last summer’s World Cup, scoring twice. Aged 26, he is also 6ft+ but is direct and would surely add to Everton’s attacking prowess.
Memphis Depay – One of the hottest prospects in Europe, Netherlands international Depay has been in lethal form for PSV this season, scoring 15 goals in 18 league games. At only 21, he has his whole career in front of him and is sure to be on the radar of many of Europe’s top clubs. As a result, he is likely to command a large fee, well beyond what Everton could afford.
Gerard Deulofeu – “Geri” needs no introduction to Evertonians, having spent last season on loan at Goodison. He hoped to return to Barcelona last summer and secure a place in their first team, but with the arrival of Luis Suarez, he has found himself out on loan again, this time at Sevilla. It seems unlikely Deulofeu will be in the Barca first team picture any time soon, and a summer transfer could be a possibility.
Aaron Lennon – This seems like the most realistic option. Having already signed for Everton on loan, his career at Spurs is seemingly over and if he impresses over the next few months, it is likely the Blues will pursue a permanent deal in the summer. Only 27 and with an abundance of Premier League experience, he still has plenty to offer.
Conor McAleny – Could Roberto Martinez look internally for a replacement? Conor McAleny has recently gone out on loan to Cardiff and at 22, it seems like now or never for him at Everton. He signed a 3 year contract last summer, which suggests he is part of Martinez’s long term plans, so could he use the exit of Mirallas as an opportunity to bring McAleny into the fold next season? Primarily a striker, he was played out wide against Krasnodar in his only appearance this season. Is this where Roberto sees him in the future?
The suggestions above are just that, and range from realistic to “you’ve been playing too much Football Manager”. But, should Mirallas leave, it is imperative that the money is reinvested wisely to compensate for his loss. At his best, the Belgian links well with fellow countryman Lukaku, and offers an attractive blend of pace, direct running and set-piece prowess, all of which will be missed if he leaves, as expected, in the summer.
