Everton need to make any number of new signings this summer, but few fans would argue against a centre-forward being one of the most pressing issues.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is set to leave when his contract expires in three months, while loanee Armando Broja’s injury-ruined season means The Friedkin Group are unlikely to activate his £30m buy clause.
Beto, at least, has made headway since David Moyes’ winter arrival, but he’s lost his scoring touch in recent games and competition at number nine is needed for sure.
Everton leading race for 14-goal striker
According to TEAMtalk, Everton are interested in signing Rangers striker Hamza Igamane and have learned he will be available this summer for a sizeable £20m fee.
In fact, Everton’s vested desire has seen them assume the lead in the race for the Moroccan forward, despite Tottenham Hotspur and German champions Bayer Leverkusen also in the mix.
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While Igamane wouldn’t come cheap, he is a contrasting profile to Beto and a reliable goalscorer besides.
Why Everton could be targeting Ndiaye 2.0
Aged only 22, Igamane has a long career ahead of him. After fostering his ability in the Scottish Premiership, he may well hope to try his hand in the Premier League, taking his place as a centrepiece of Moyes’ project.
Principally, he’s a centre-forward, but Igamane is also blessed with fast feet and a sharp footballing mind. Analyst Ben Mattinson has hailed such skills: “His intelligence and understanding of space is something else.”
Indeed, Mattinson has also dubbed the forward a “Barclaysman-type” player, bearing that nostalgic style that is typically associated with former players from the noughties.
It’s the kind of approach that carries a semblance to that of Iliman Ndiaye, especially since Igamane can also alternate slickly between the left flank and a central attacking position, at his best when bouncing off the most structured striker (in Everton’s case, Beto).
Everton signed Ndiaye from Marseille last summer for a £15m fee, and he has gone on to stand out across the campaign. While injured for most of Moyes’ tenure thus far, he did bag three goals from four matches before falling to injury early in the fifth: the Merseyside derby.
Matches (starts)
26 (18)
24 (22)
Goals
10
6
Assists
1
0
Touches*
32.1
40.5
Shots (on target)*
2.8 (1.1)
1.0 (0.5)
Big chances missed
5
2
Pass completion
73%
84%
Key passes*
1.1
0.7
Ball recoveries*
1.9
6.0
Dribbles*
1.4
2.4
Duels won*
4.0
6.1
Aligning the respective forwards’ data really does emphasise Ndiaye’s brilliance. The sharpshooting Senegalese is prolific, combative and active through the various phases. He really is a marvel, heralded by Ashley Williams as the Toffees’ “best player.”
One of the more electric wingers in the Premier League, Ndiaye ranks among the top 7% of such positional peers for successful take-ons per 90, as per FBref.
A successful take-on is recorded when a player beats their opponent by directly carrying the ball past them while retaining possession.
This is something that could be emulated through the addition of Igamane, who ranks among the top 2% of forwards in the Europa League this season for the same metric.
European experience, a dynamic skillset and a tenacious attitude? Check, check, check. Igamane would be a wonderful addition to an Everton side preparing to lose some core attacking parts. He’d enrich the frontline, take it higher and higher.
Moyes knows what he’s doing, all right. Talent scout Jacek Kulig called the Morocco talent a “jackpot transfer” for Rangers, and the same could be applied to Everton, should they seal the deal.
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