Everton is looking to bolster their squad this summer, with a particular focus on finding a new striker to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who is expected to depart on a free transfer. According to reports, David Moyes has held talks about signing Emanuel Emegha, a 22-year-old striker from Strasbourg. Emegha has impressed in France, scoring 23 goals in 59 appearances, and is reportedly coveted by several clubs, including West Ham, Fulham, and Brentford.
The transfer talks are complicated by the fact that Strasbourg is part of a multi-club model that includes Chelsea, which means the Premier League side will have a say in Emegha’s destination. Chelsea staff are said to be impressed by Emegha, and it’s possible they might consider bringing him to Stamford Bridge. However, if Chelsea doesn’t pursue the signing, Everton could be well-placed to secure Emegha’s services.
Emegha’s profile suggests he could be an ideal replacement for Calvert-Lewin. At 1.96 meters tall, Emegha offers a similar physical presence to Beto, Everton’s current striker, and has shown a strong eye for goal, scoring 14 Ligue 1 goals this season. While it’s unclear what kind of price tag Emegha would carry, he could be a good long-term investment for Everton as a young target man with the potential to improve.
In addition to the potential signing of Emegha, Everton is also reportedly interested in signing Dan Neil, a midfielder from Sunderland. Neil has been ever-present for Sunderland this season, making 44 appearances and scoring 2 goals. According to ex-Goodison scout Bryan King, Sunderland could let Neil leave for around £10 million, which would be a bargain for a player of his quality. King believes that Everton should focus on signing players from the Championship, where they can find talented players at a lower price.
However, Everton might need to wait on a decision regarding Neil, as Sunderland’s promotion prospects could impact both the asking price and the player’s decision to leave. If Sunderland secures promotion to the Premier League, it’s possible that the asking price could rise, or Neil might decide to stay with the Black Cats.
Everton transfer plans are part of a broader effort to strengthen the squad and build for the future. With several key players out of contract at the end of the season, including Idrissa Gueye and Abdoulaye Doucouré, Moyes will need to do some significant recruitment to ensure the team remains competitive. The potential signings of Emegha and Neil would be a good starting point, but Moyes will likely need to do more to fill the gaps in the squad.
The new Everton owners will also need to be mindful of the club’s financial situation, particularly after recent struggles. Any potential signings will need to be carefully considered to ensure they fit within the club’s budget. However, with Moyes at the helm, Everton fans can expect the team to be competitive and ambitious, and the potential signings of Emegha and Neil would be a step in the right direction.