Why Fernando Llorente Will Be Massively Influential To Everton
Transfer window will shut down in a day’s time and most of the Premier League outfits are actively pursuing few ‘ last minute deals’ to sort out their squad insufficiency. Liverpool certainly are the busiest of all, whereas Everton, their Merseyside rivals are not far behind. The clock is ticking up for Ronald Koeman, who has indicated about two more new signings before tomorrow’s deadline.
Despite losing key centre-forward Romelu Lukaku to league counterparts Manchester United, Everton have spent close heavily to conclude several major deals that include young English custodian Jordan Pickford, defender Michael Keane, Dutch midfielder Davy Klaassen, former Barcelona forward Sandro Ramirez, Icelandic international Gylfi Sigurdsson who had a majestic campaign with Swansea City and their former Academy prodigy Wayne Rooney – the former Manchester United and English skipper who has returned to his boyhood club after 13 glorify-filled years with the Red Devils.
Although Everton have successfully secured a Europa League group stage berth, and though their defence has had a disciplined display so far in the new campaign, a 2-0 league defeat against Chelsea has pointed out the necessity of a prolific goalscorer like Lukaku. Rooney had a flying start in his second stint at his boyhood club, but Sandro, the other new signing, has struggled in front of goal and so Koeman is looking to add a Premier League-experienced attacker to his squad before tomorrow.
They have been heavily linked with a sensational move for Chelsea hitman Diego Costa who has been exiled by boss Antonio Conte. Costa has reiterated his desire to rejoin his former club Atletico Madrid but their transfer ban is not allowing him to play for the Roji Blancos until January. The Brazil born Spain international is reportedly set for a loan spell until mid-January before joining the Spanish giants on a permanent deal.
Koeman is also pursuing a move for veteran Spanish forward Fernando Llorente who had a scintillating Premier League debut campaign for the Swans. He, alongside Sigurdsson, helped them escape relegation scare as the 32-year-old marksman netted 15 times in 33 league outings. He formed a lethal partnership with the Icelandic international who kept on assisting him for his goals. Koeman is keen to recreate that Chemistry with more quality individuals surrounding them.
Chelsea, the reigning Premier League champions, have reportedly leapfrogged the Toffees for Llorente deal as they are desperately looking to add depth in their attacking third. Michy Batshuayi, the young Belgian, has been far from impressive this far and the pressure is on young Spaniard Alvaro Morata who had a decent inception in Premier League football following his big-money move from Real Madrid. Presence of Llorente will increase their options up front and the transfer battle is set to hot up in late hours.
However, Everton would be the better destination for Llorente as the Toffees are the ones in genuine need of a striker. He would certainly be influential in Everton’s chase for a top-4 finish.