It has been a far from perfect start for Everton this season but under new manager Marco Silva, there have been signs of improvement and the team looks to be on track. A Europa League finish looks like the reality that the Evertonians would want to aim for in the current season.
The team has improved a lot under the new manager but there are still some areas which require reinforcements. It is no secret that they lack quality upfront. Although Richarlison has been a great addition for the team, they need a striker who can convert the chances created and score 20-plus goals a season.
In the summer transfer window, Marco Silva was interested in Moussa Marega, a striker from Porto, who has proved himself in the Primeira Liga (h/t Daily Mail). Valued at £22million, the attacker appeared in 36 games for Porto last season and had racked up an impressive tally of 21 goals and 7 assists.
Marega has rejuvenated his career with the Portuguese outfit and has appeared in almost every position in the final third. The 27-year-old has mostly been utilized in the shadow striker role by Sergio Conceicao but Marega has made his presence felt from the flanks and the No. 9 role as well.
His pace and robust athletic presence are capable of handling the physical nature of the English game. Marega has scored 11 goals and set up another six in just 19 games this season in the Primeira Liga and is a hot prospect amongst a lot of clubs in the premier league.
The final third is one of the weakest links in this Everton side. They have some good players in the midfield who can control the game and create chances but it’s the finishing that is letting them down. Richarlison has proven that he can make things click in the opposition half provided he gets some support.
To that end, Marega has got exceptional strength and pace and will bring in a lot of scoring influence with him at the Merseyside. In fact, he is the ideal player to work wonders up front with Richarlison and Cenk Tosun, given his versatility. He can either play as the lone striker or just behind the striker in a supporting role and can also play from the flanks.
If Everton can acquire Marega and he hits the ground running right on his arrival, it could be a bargain for the club. He has all the qualities to succeed in the Premier League and if he does find his scoring boots, Everton could really challenge for the Champions League spots next season.
