Why Everton signing Wout Weghorst in January would be a real coup
According to Liverpool Echo, Everton have been linked with a move for VfL Wolfsburg striker Wout Weghorst ahead of the January transfer window.
As per the report, the Toffees are on the lookout for a new striker next month to add more depth to their options in front of goal. Mainz hitman Jean-Philippe Mateta has also been mentioned as a potential target for Carlo Ancelotti’s side.
Profile
Wout Weghorst started his professional career with FC Emmen in the Dutch second-tier before making the step up to the Eredivisie with Heracles Almelo in 2014-15. The towering hitman joined AZ Alkmaar in 2016 and went on to register 45 goals in 86 appearances for the club over two seasons.
The Dutchman’s exploits in his homeland prompted VfL Wolfsburg to take a punt on him in 2018 and Weghorst has established himself as one of the most feared centre-forwards in the Bundesliga. The 28-year-old bagged 18 goals in his debut season at the club before following it up with 20 in 43 appearances across all competitions last term.
Weghorst has continued to fire on all cylinders with a stunning start to the 2020-21 campaign, scoring 13 goals in 18 appearances across all competitions for Wolfsburg so far. The target man made his senior international debut for the Netherlands in 2018 and has earned 4 caps for his nation so far.
Weghorst could add more firepower to the Toffees’ attack
Everton have enjoyed an impressive start to the ongoing campaign after a rather disappointing 12th-place finish in the Premier League last term. There’s still a long way to go in the season but Ancelotti’s side could well be in the mix for a return to Europe if they manage to continue their good run of form in the coming months.
With 25 goals scored so far, Everton certainly aren’t crying out for reinforcements in the final third. Dominic Calvert-Lewin has been the key goal contributor with 11 goals in 14 appearances, making him the second-highest goalscorer in the Premier League after Mohammed Salah. The 23-year-old has been very well complemented by the likes of Richarlison and James Rodriguez on either side of the attack.
However, the lack of quality alternatives up top remains a pressing concern for Ancelotti. Richarlison is capable of slotting into a centre-forward role but the Brazilian’s best qualities are undoubtedly utilised out wide. With Moise Kean out on loan and Cenk Tosun out of favour, Everton need to look for another out-and-out striker to reduce the workload on Calvert-Lewin.
Putting things into perspective, Wout Weghorst ticks plenty of boxes to come through the door at Goodison Park as a marquee addition to Everton’s attack. The 6ft 6in Dutch international has been in red-hot form for Wolfsburg over the past two-and-a-half seasons, scoring 51 goals in 97 outings for the club.
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Verdict
With fixtures set to come thick and fast during the second half of the season, a potential deal for Weghorst in January would offer Ancelotti some genuine depth and quality up top. The 28-year-old’s powerful frame coupled with his poaching instincts in front of goal should make him an instant hit in the Premier League. The Dutchman still has several years remaining in his prime, meaning he’d be well worth a significant outlay for the Toffees in the winter market.