Why Everton should offload Ademola Lookman this summer
With the transfer deadline day drawing closer, the situation involving Ademola Lookman seems to be reaching its crunch end. According to Sky Sports, RB Leipzig increased their offer to £25million plus add-ons but Everton want a fee in excess of £28million for their talented youngster.
Lookman joined Everton from Charlton Athletic back in January 2017 and made his debut for the Toffees in the same season. He was later sent out on loan to German side RB Leipzig where he had an impressive run, scoring 4 goals in his last five Bundesliga games the previous season.
The 20-year-old has been a regular for England’s youth sides, having represented the Three Lions at the U19, U20, and U21 levels. The winger, who can also play as a forward, is blessed with lightning pace and has numerous tricks up his sleeves. His forays down the flanks are enough to indicate that he is one of the most talented youngsters in the country.
Lookman is capable of playing on either flank and likes to take on defenders. He can be a handful for opposition full-backs with his agility, athleticism, and acceleration. Lookman tends to latch onto the ball in deeper areas of the park and has the ability to counter-attack.
However, the 20-year-old is still in the developmental phase of his career and needs to work on his composure and finishing. He is not good at retaining the ball which may prove to be an Achilles heel as his career progresses. That said, these are attributes that get better with age and regular playing time will allow the player to improve.
New manager Marco Silva did not hesitate to break the bank to sign Richarlison from Watford. Currently, Everton have plenty of options when it comes to attacking midfielders who can play down the flanks. Another solid addition to the squad, Bernard, is a perfect example of that. The Brazilian has the technical superiority, pace and agility to play down the sides and in the centre of the attacking third.
Gylfi Sigurdsson and Morgan Schneiderlin have proved their worth as playmakers while Theo Walcott and Richarlison have started off well, registering goals in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the rise of another English youth international, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, has seen Lookman slip further down the pecking order at Everton.
That said, it is highly unlikely for the 20-year-old to break into the first-team picture at Goodison Park and Everton should offload him this summer. The move would fetch valuable funds for the club to invest in the January transfer window as well.
