After selling Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for £50m, Everton has funded all their remaining transfer window business, securing Iliman Ndiaye, Jack Harrison, Tim Iroegbunam, and Jesper Lindstrom.
With Jake O’Brien also set to join, Everton has strengthened all areas of the pitch. However, their transfer activities are not yet complete.
Everton’s next target appears to be a striker, which might surprise fans given their existing options. Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Youssef Chermiti, and Beto have been competing for the role, with Calvert-Lewin typically emerging as the first choice.
Despite this, his future at Everton seems uncertain, explaining the club’s interest in Armando Broja, who is valued at £30m.
While Everton has the funds to pursue Broja, the wisdom of this decision is debatable. Comparing him to Calvert-Lewin, Broja falls short in terms of overall play.
Calvert-Lewin excels in Sean Dyche’s system, which relies on a strong, hardworking striker who can win aerial duels and involve teammates.
Calvert-Lewin ranks in the top 6% for aerials won per 90 minutes among European strikers.
In terms of goal-scoring, Broja’s best season saw him net ten league goals while on loan in the Eredivisie. In contrast, despite significant injury issues, Calvert-Lewin has twice reached double figures in the Premier League.
Having overcome his fitness problems and ended the last season in good form, now seems the ideal time for Everton to offer Calvert-Lewin a new contract.
Investing £30m in Broja, who is not as proficient as Calvert-Lewin either in scoring or aerial play, seems less prudent.
Recommitting to Calvert-Lewin would be a smarter move for Everton, given his proven track record and compatibility with Dyche’s tactical approach.
