The Issue – Everton Front Line Needs a Leader
Everton have had their finest season in some years, accumulating a record 72 points in the EPL and securing automatic qualification for the Europa League, narrowly missing out on Champions League football in the latter stages of the season. This charge was helped greatly by the on-loan Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku. The 21-year-old Belgium frontman netted 15 times for the Toffees last term, securing crucial points for an Everton side that many backed to struggle after the departure of David Moyes. But now the season has ended, and Lukaku is no longer an Everton player, leaving the Blues with scant force up front. Many striker have been linked with Roberto Martinez’s side, but what is the most likely option for the Everton front line according to the School of Science?
Option 1 – Everton sign Romelu Lukaku permanently.
With reports that Jose Mourinho wants to totally revamp his forward line at Stamford Bridge, Romelu Lukaku seems to be on the market. And with his more than impressive record at Everton and his apparently blissful relationship with gaffer Roberto Martinez, why wouldn’t he stay at Everton? Yep, you guessed it. Money. Despite Everton’s financial well-being increasing significantly with hushed up Arab investment, the club still may not be in a position to afford both Lukaku’s extravagant wages and a hefty fee to acquire his services, making this deal not impossible, but unlikely. If he were to sign the dotted line at Goodison Park, however, Lukaku would become a true hero on the blue half of Merseyside with his prolific goal-scoring, blistering pace and Hulk-like strength on the Everton front line.
Option 2 – Everton sign Demba Ba
Another one who may find himself up for transfer as a result of Jose Mourinho’s clearout of his forward line, Demba Ba is an obvious target for Everton. The Senegalese striker was lethal at Newcastle, where he scored 29 goals in just 54 games for the Tyneside club before Chelsea triggered his £7m release clause in January 2013. Having not enjoyed much game time at Chelsea, Ba will be chomping at the bit for a chance at regular first team football, and with his low price tag (thought to be around £10m) combined with the admiration of Blues boss Roberto Martinez, this deal could well be happening. Ba can also look forward to the adoration of Evertonians after his goal at Anfield in April 2014, which saw the beginning of Liverpool’s title capitulation.
Option 3 – Everton sign Loic Remy
The nomadic striker Loic Remy has been thoroughly impressive this past season, netting a fantastic 14 goals in just 26 Premier League matches. The QPR owned striker, played on loan at Newcastle United this season. There could be a bidding war with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur both apparently trying to sign the french international in this transfer window. The question will be can Everton afford to spend a huge sum on Remy, and even if that answer is yes, should they, or do they look elsewhere?
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