Everton have been wanting to sign a striker since the January transfer window but have failed to sign one. This summer too, EFC had been linked with a number of strikers but it seems that they are missing out on the desired targets one by one. Leeds United forward Rodrigo was heavily linked but he seems to be headed outside of Europe.
Everton had been following a number of strikers since the January transfer window. Viktor Gyokeres was one of the top targets that the Toffees had been tracking since January. Even in the summer, EFC remained in the race to sign the Swedish striker but the optimism of signing him was low as Sporting were always the favourites to land him. Eventually, the Toffees pulled out of the race when a move to Portugal was imminent.
EFC have also had El Bilal Toure on their list. The Almeria striker has produced a lot of interest in recent months given his impressive campaign in La Liga. One report even mentioned that Everton had offered a five year contract to Bilal Toure. Another contrasting report emerged that claimed that Atalanta were close to signing Bilal Toure for a little over €20 million.
Everton to miss out on Leeds United’s Rodrigo
With Leeds United relegated, the Whites are preparing for a clear out as some of the most talented players leave for Premier Leagues and other leagues in the world. This is often the story for every relegated side and Leeds are no exception. Wilfried Gnonto, Tyler Adams, Jack Harrison, Crysencio Summerville and Rodrigo have been linked with Everton.
Gnonto remains a heavily linked player with reports even claiming that a bid has been accepted by Leeds United as the Italian wants to leave Elland Road. EFC’s main agenda is to sign a striker and Rodrigo was certainly a player available for a cheap price. The player is on the wrong side of 30 and has just 12 months left on his current contract at Leeds. His agent also indicated that he would meet the club chiefs to discuss Rodrigo’s future as the Spaniard pushed for a move away from Championship.
He is valued at €6 million by Transfermarkt, a price that Everton would have been able to afford. However, the Merseysiders are now set to miss out on the 32 year old. According to Fabrizio Romano, Rodrigo will leave Leeds and join Qatari side Al Rayyan. He is undergoing medical and is waiting to sign the documents to complete the deal.
Everton have missed out on yet another target as the list of striker targets keeps on shrinking. The Toffees need to act fast or they run the risk of missing out on their top targets and in turn sabotaging their transfer strategy.