Everton are in the market for a striker, but will they sign Folarin Balogun or Richarlison to replace Beto?
More Videos
Everton are now being heavily linked with a move to sign Monaco striker Folarin Balogun.
The Toffees are in the market for attacking reinforcements, with Beto closing in on a move to join Fiorentina. The Everton striker is set to travel for a medical on Monday morning ahead of a permanent transfer to the Italian club in a deal with €17m.
With Thierno Barry Everton’s only recognised striker if Beto departs, the Toffees will need to reinvest in the centre-forward position. Reports emerged that Everton have agreed a deal to sign Richarlison from Tottenham, in a move that sees Iliman Ndiaye go the other way.
It’s been suggested that Everton will pay around £35m to sign Richarlison, which seems incredibly hefty for a player of his age and contract situation. As a result, Everton do appear to be targeting alternative options.
Everton eyeing Balogun
News broke on Sunday evening that Everton have reportedly submitted an offer of around €18m to sign Balogun from Monaco. The American international is believed to have already reached an agreement with the Merseyside club, and they are now pushing to secure his signature.
In an update on Monday morning, The Bobble has also confirmed that Everton are in talks to sign Balogun, while Fabrizio Romano says the Toffees have made an official bid.
Everton to sign two strikers?
Bringing two strikers to the club would certainly be a little overkill for multiple reasons. Everton only play with one striker, so that would likely lead to having two on the bench.
One of those is unlikely to get regular minutes, and given the current abilities of the three players, Barry could struggle to play.
The former Villarreal striker is still learning his trade and needs to develop, so signing two strikers is only going to damage his ability to progress. Signing another striker to replace Beto certainly makes sense, but signing two just doesn’t add up.
It does feel like Everton are considering alternative options to Richarlison rather than looking to sign the Brazilian and another.
Richarlison or Balogun?
There are multiple factors to consider when signing Richarlison or Balogun.
Let’s look at age first. Richarlison is 29 years old and has endured a difficult, inconsistent time at Tottenham. He’s not going to get any better and Everton are unlikely to see a return on their investment financially.
With Balogun, he is entering his prime years, having only just turned 25. Three strong years at Everton could lead to his value increasing, rather than decreasing like Richarlison.
Balogun could have that hunger to make it in the Premier League at his age, while Richarlison will be looking for that final big payday more than anything. I’m not doubting Richarlison’s commitment, by the way, but he and Balogun are in completely different situations.
Action Images via Reuters
Action Images via Reuters
Now looking at finances. Reports have claimed Everton have made an €18m bid. That’s more than half what Everton are set to pay for Richarlison. No more needs to be said on this.
Also, wages. Balogun won’t be earning a lot at Monaco, particularly in comparison to Richarlison. You’d imagine the Tottenham striker will be on comfortably over £100,000-a-week, whereas Balogun will likely be on less than that. Again, Balogun makes more sense in this aspect.
Now ability. Balogun hit 23 goals and assists last season for Monaco, while he also struck three times in four games during the World Cup. Richarlison hit 17 last season for Spurs, so there’s not a huge difference between them in terms of their output recently.
As an overall player, I do feel like Balogun could edge it. You also have to consider that one is on the way up and the other is on the way down. You might think Richarlison is better, and that’s fine, but Balogun undoubtedly has more room to grow.
Taking into account everything above, Balogun simply makes a lot more sense. Signing both doesn’t make sense, so for me, I’d be looking to get a deal for Balogun over the line and ending interest in Richarlison.
Unfortunately, we need to take emotion out of it. A Richarlison return might seem like a fairy tale to many, but that doesn’t mean it makes sense at the rumoured price.