Why Max Kruse Would Be A Good Signing For Everton
Everton are targeting a move for Werder Bremen striker Max Kruse as manager Ronald Koeman looks to prepare for the exit of Romelu Lukaku as per reports in Germany. The Toffees could be losing their star striker in the summer after he refused to sign a new contract extension with the club, with just one year left on his existing deal.
They have been linked with a move for a horde of strikers and now the 29-year old Kruse is the latest name to be added to that list. The reports also claim that he will allegedly be available for as less as £10.4million, due to a release clause in his contract.
The Merseysiders finished the season at 7th position in the Premier League, as a consequence of which, they will be participating in the UEFA Europa League next term. Lukaku was the backbone of the decent success they had in Ronald Koeman’s first season in charge. The Belgian led the goal-scoring charts in the Premier League for most parts of the season, until Harry Kane of Tottenham Hotspur overtook him with a blitz in the final weeks. The 24-year old finished the season with 25 goals and 6 assists in the English top division, with another strike in the FA Cup.
However, he has his eyes set on a move away from the Goodison Park and with serious interests from top clubs, a transfer is definitely on the cards.
Koeman, who has pulled off some brilliant signings during his time at Southampton, seems to be keen on signing Kruse in the summer. The German international joined Bremen last summer from VfL Wolfsburg and finished the season with a more than impressive tally of 15 goals and 6 seven from just 23 Bundesliga appearances. That tally would have made for a much better reading if Kruse hadn’t missed the first 10 games of the season due to injury.
A natural goal-scorer, the fourteen-time capped German international brings in an added versatility with his ability to play in the wide areas. Kruse, in all senses, is an all-round forward. He is a good passer of the ball, is an equally gifted dribbler and finisher. He has the strength and the physicality to hold up the ball and bring his teammates into play, while also being able to drift into the wide areas and hit accurate crosses into the box. An able set-piece taker as well, Kruse also has great technical ability that allows him to take an aim at goal from distance.
The German may not be the same explosive striker like Lukaku, but he will bring so much to the table with his all-round capabilities and his experience. All this at just a fee of £10.4million would be a coup. That is peanuts for a proven goalscorer in the current transfer market. He may not be the biggest of the names, but Kruse will be a wonderful addition to the Everton roster – irrespective of whether Lukaku stays or leaves.