Josip Brekalo of Wolfsburg is linked with a transfer to Everton, Leeds United, and Napoli. (imago Images)
As per a report by Sport Witness (h/t Brighton & Hove Independent), Everton have been linked with a transfer move for winger Josip Brekalo. The 23-year-old has impressed during his time in Bundesliga and his current contract expires in the summer of 2023. However, the Toffees can expect some competition for his signature.
The report cites Premier League side Leeds United as well as Serie A outfit Napoli as the two teams that want the Croatian forward. He is currently with his national team at UEFA Euro 2020, where they have qualified for the last-16 stage. A move for him could cost around £13m and we look at why Everton should sign Brekalo.
The Toffees are set to lose a pair of wide-men before the start of next season. Yannick Bolasie, who was formerly at Crystal Palace, and Theo Walcott, are both in the final few days of their Everton contract. And according to The Athletic (Subscription Required), the duo will leave Goodison Park as free agents this summer.
The 32-year-old pair failed to make an impression under Carlo Ancelotti but the Italian is now at Real Madrid. Nevertheless, the club losing players in a single position is bad enough as it is. Another one of their wide-man linked with a move to his former club is Brazilian forward Bernard.
According to Sport Witness (h/t Liverpool Echo), Atletico Mineiro are exploring the possibility of signing Bernard, whose contract expires in the summer of 2022. Alex Iwobi is perhaps the only winger they have on paper who is not out of contract soon and can play a part for the next few seasons.
James Rodriguez, the star signing from Real Madrid last summer, is renowned for his exploits on the right flank for his previous clubs. But it is very likely that he would leave considering this Daily Mail report that Colombian is set for an exit after Ancelotti’s shock departure.
Young Anthony Gordon just returned from a loan spell at Preston North End but it is unrealistic as well as unlikely to see the 20-year-old play a major role in Everton’s first XI next season, especially when you consider the fact that he has five total Premier League starts in his entire career.
So with the club clearly lacking in the wide areas, there is undoubtedly a need for them to get a winger. No matter who the manager is, wide players are greatly important for any team because of their ability to stretch the game wide and create chances for their team. Brekalo can be that man for the Toffees.
The 23-year-old is already a regular starter for the Croatian team as well as Wolfsburg. Moreover, the fee being quoted for him is very sensible especially if we consider the £25million Everton paid for Bolasie to Crystal Palace some five years ago.
Brekalo can also play on either flank as well as down the middle, making him even more attractive to potential suitors. Everton should not wait around for long considering the interest from Serie A clubs.
