Cengiz Under has struggled with injuries in the last couple of seasons (Getty Images)
Back in January, the Bleacher Report (h/t The Sun) had claimed that Everton were interested in signing AS Roma winger Cengiz Under and had contacted his representatives to see if he is available. However, no deal materialised during the winter transfer window and he stayed put at AS Roma.
Cengiz Under, 22, joined AS Roma from Istanbul Basaksehir in the summer of 2017 and has gone onto make 85 appearances, scoring 17 goals and supplying 11 assists in the process. Whilst his form has dropped this season, he has still 20 appearances across all competitions so far this season, scoring three goals.
Meanwhile, Everton have endured a mixed season so far despite overcoming the wretched run of form in the first half of the season under Marco Silva. Carlo Ancelotti, who permanently replaced Silva in December 2019, brought a sense of optimism and stability within the team as they got off to a good start under him.
However, the Toffees’ form dipped had dipped of late and they slipped to 12th position after failing to win any of their last three league games. Ancelotti’s men were humiliated by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. The Everton boss must address the problems in his squad this summer to fight for a place in the Champions League next season.
One of the reasons for their inconsistency is the lack of depth and quality in the attacking unit. Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin have been the Merseysiders’ chief goalscorers this term but they haven’t been supported enough by their fellow attackers.
The likes of Theo Walcott, Gylfi Sigurdsson, Alex Iwobi and Bernard have contributed to just six goals overall, while Moise Kean has failed to live up to the expectations of the Goodison Park faithful following his summer move from Juventus.
Therefore, to add depth and quality to the attacking unit, the manager should go for an established forward in the summer and AS Roma’s Cengiz Under would be a good fit.
Under scored 8 goals in 32 appearances during his debut season, helping Roma reach the Champions League semi-finals. He has endured an injury-hit 2019/20 campaign that has limited him to just 20 appearances across all competitions till date.
The 22-year-old is capable of playing on either flank but being left-footed, he is more suited to a right-wing role – an area Everton need to strengthen. He would undoubtedly bolster the Toffees’ attacking options, whilst adding depth to the squad. Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Bernard have impressed this season and the Turkish wide man would complement them perfectly in Ancelotti’s attack.
Under is a talented winger with immense potential and he could definitely unlock it under an experienced tactician like Ancelotti. All in all, Everton must rekindle their interest in the Roma star during the summer transfer window.
