Why Everton must end their pursuit of Victor Osimhen
According to Liverpool Echo, Everton have been regularly linked with a move for Lille’s in-form striker Victor Osimhen.
The 21-year-old Nigerian has been earning rave reviews with his goal-scoring exploits in his maiden season in France. The young Nigerian’s sensational form in front of goal has seen him grab 5th spot in the list of top goal-scorers in the league this season.
Despite just arriving at Lille from Belgian side Charleroi last summer, Osimhen has not taken much time to adjust to his new surroundings, netting 13 goals from 27 league appearances.
The young finisher’s goal-scoring form has been so good that Lille have climbed to 4th spot in the league table, one point short of third-placed Rennes. With Osimhen playing a major role in Lille’s success this season, Premier League clubs such as Everton and Arsenal have now lined up the youngster’s signature.
Everton, meanwhile, have not had the best of campaigns this season, with the side struggling at 12th place in the league standings. However, the major reason for Everton’s slip in rankings has been due to a weak and inconsistent defence that has conceded as many as 46 goals in 29 games.
Their attack, especially the side’s first-choice centre-forwards, have been in exquisite form. The Toffees have mostly deployed youngsters Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison in the attack after their consistent displays this season.
Englishman Calvert-Lewin is the side’s top-scorer in the league with 13 goals to his name while Brazilian Richarlison has netted 10 times, continuing his good form from last season.
The 22-year-old versatile Richarlison was Everton’s joint top-scorer in the league last season alongside attacking midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson. His consistent displays have now made him a crucial player in Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Calvert-Lewin, on the other hand, has been improving with time, bettering his finishing skills from last season, where he found the back of the net 6 times. The Toffees also have another youngster in Moise Kean, who just arrived from Juventus last season.
The side’s remaining strikers – Cenk Tosun and Oumar Niasse fill up the group, however, they are way down the pecking order at Goodison Park. Considering the number of finishers they have in their midst, Everton’s pursuit of Osimhen seems totally pointless. Hence, it would be wise if they stop their pursuit of the in-form man.
Read more
- Why Daniele Rugani would be a good addition to a struggling Everton defence
- Why Everton could do well with Jesus Corona in their attack
- Why signing Jesse Lingard will give Everton some depth in attack
Verdict
Everton have as many as five strikers in their squad and roping in Osimhen would just be surplus to the club’s requirements at the moment. Moreover, the side’s first-choice strikers Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison have been in good form this season that they don’t really need more new faces. Everton should, hence, end their interest in Osimhen but rather spend it on areas that need improvement
