Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move to Everton (Getty Images)
According to AreaNapoli (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton have joined the race to sign Lille starlet Victor Osimhen in the summer.
Osimhen, 21, came through the ranks of Ultra Stars Academy’s youth system and joined German outfit Wolfsburg in January 2017. However, after struggling to cement his place in the team’s starting XI, he was sent on loan to RSC Charleroi initially where he impressed with 12 goals in 25 Jupiler League games.
In August 2019, French outfit Lille snapped him up and since then, he has shown great potential. The youngster has been in incredible form this season and has attracted a lot of interest across Europe.
Clubs like Liverpool, Tottenham and Serie A outfit Napoli are also keen on securing the services of the Nigerian, as per the report. Osimhen has also made 8 appearances for his nation, scoring 4 goals to date.
Apart from defensive and midfield reinforcements, the manager should also focus on strengthening the attacking unit. Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are the only players in the frontline to perform with consistency. They have managed to score 25 goals between themselves, which is more than half of the team’s 41 goals in the league.
Young Moise Kean has struggled to settle to the conditions of the Premier League and Oumar Niasse has already left the club since his contract ended last month. The wingers haven’t contributed much to Everton’s cause either and thus, a forward is a must in the summer.
In that regard, signing Osimhen would do them a world of good. The Nigerian has impressed in the Ligue 1 this season with 13 goals in 27 games, whilst also setting up 5 more. A centre-forward by trade, he is also capable of playing on either flank and that could be a boost for the manager.
He can be used on the wings and also as a deputy to Richarlison or Calvert-Lewin. His inclusion would definitely bolster the Toffees attack, given his recent goalscoring form. He would definitely bring in his quality and also add some much-needed depth to Ancelotti’s squad.
With a lack of options across the Toffees’ frontline, it is clear that they are in dire need of forwards for next season. And Osimhen has shown immense quality in the last couple of years. He could be a crucial player for them if he is able to replicate the same form. Thus, Everton should bring the Nigerian to Goodison Park at the earliest.