Deal Near: Everton in Advanced Talks for “World-Class” Player Who Surpasses Gnonto – Opinion
Wilfried Gnonto has been consistently linked with Everton since Leeds United’s relegation to the Championship in the 2022/23 season. The 20-year-old had an impressive debut Premier League campaign for Leeds, scoring four goals and providing four assists, proving to be a valuable acquisition for the club. Despite Leeds’ failure to return to the Premier League, rumors about Gnonto’s availability for a fee around £25 million have persisted this summer.
Sean Dyche’s Everton seemed the most likely destination for Gnonto, but recently, the club has shifted its focus to another transfer target. Everton has already signed Tim Iroegbunam, Jack Harrison, and Iliman Ndiaye, but they appear close to finalizing a deal for another key player.
Everton in Advanced Talks to Sign 24-Year-Old Star
Journalist Gianluca Di Marzio reports that Everton has reached an agreement with Napoli for the loan signing of midfielder Jesper Lindstrom until the end of the 2024/25 season. The deal includes an option to buy at the end of the loan period, but both clubs are currently awaiting Lindstrom’s agreement to the move.
Lindstrom joined Napoli from Eintracht Frankfurt last summer for around £25 million but struggled to make an impact, registering no goals or assists in 29 appearances as Napoli finished tenth in Serie A. Despite his lack of goal contributions, Lindstrom’s underlying statistics suggest he could be a valuable addition to Everton, surpassing those of fellow target Gnonto in several areas.
Why Lindstrom Could Be Better Than Gnonto for Everton
Everton had a poor goalscoring record in the 2023/24 Premier League season, netting just 40 goals in 38 matches, the second-lowest in the league. While Lindstrom didn’t score or assist last season, his statistical performance indicates he could help improve Everton’s offensive output.
According to FBref, Lindstrom averaged 2.63 shots per 90 minutes, compared to Gnonto’s 2.55, despite playing in a higher-quality league. Lindstrom also had a higher pass completion rate by 3% and completed more take-ons per 90 minutes than the Italian forward.
The “world-class” Danish player, as described by Bundesliga reporter Archie Rhind-Tutt, could benefit from a fresh start at Goodison Park, potentially aiding Everton’s quest for a mid-table finish in the 2024/25 season. Lindstrom’s previous record at Frankfurt, where he tallied 28 goals and assists in 80 games and won the Europa League, demonstrates his potential to thrive in the Premier League.
For Everton, acquiring Lindstrom represents smart business. The club is making strategic moves in the transfer window, aiming to strengthen their squad while avoiding further Financial Fair Play (FFP) penalties. Lindstrom’s consistent first-team minutes and potential impact on Everton’s attacking prowess make him a promising addition to the Toffees’ lineup.
In summary, while Gnonto remains a notable talent, Everton’s pursuit of Lindstrom appears to be a more advantageous move. The Dane’s impressive stats, even in a challenging Serie A season, suggest he could be a critical player in helping Everton improve their offensive capabilities and achieve a more secure league position.
