Everton are looking to improve their options in attack this season, and have been linked with a move for Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is valued at £40m.
Despite a marked improvement upon his arrival, David Moyes is keen to bring new attacking options to the club this summer to push them further up the Premier League table.
Everton want to sign a striker and will look to do so with a healthy transfer budget. A reunion with Richarlison has been touted, but Moyes may look further into Europe to find his next goalscorer.
Reports have stated that Everton are interested in Nick Woltemade from Stuttgart after he scored an impressive 12 goals in 28 Bundesliga games.
It was also revealed that Everton are interested in Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is reportedly open to leaving Al-Hilal this summer. Everton fans were shocked at Mitrovic’s price tag and suggested he is not the right fit for the club.
With Mitrovic one of several options for Everton, former Blues boss Rafa Benitez has already given his verdict on Mitrovic, and it does not suggest he is the right player for Moyes.
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images
Rafa Benitez damning verdict on Everton target Aleksandar Mitrovic
The Serbian has been unstoppable since joining Al-Hilal in 2023, scoring goals for fun and winning five trophies in Saudi Arabia.
Marco Silva was full of praise for Mitrovic, but former Everton head coach Benitez is far less complimentary in his feelings towards the 30-year-old.
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Benitez managed Mitrovic at Newcastle United during 2016 and 2018, but the Spaniard failed to get the best out of him before he joined Fulham.
When Mitrovic and Fulham were visiting St James’ Park for a Premier League game in 2018, Benitez opened up on why he let Mitrovic leave the Magpies under his watch.
“Mitro is emotional but there was never a personal issue. There was a situation where he wanted to play so had to go because I couldn’t guarantee he would play,” he told the Daily Mirror.
“You have a vision, and you see the stats. But I can analyse the games, the way that he was playing, and also every training session with us.
“Is he a good player? Yes. Can he score goals for Fulham? Yes. But, for us, maybe we needed something different.
“Maybe because he was not playing his confidence was low, and now it is high. But we needed more mobility.
“Normally, if you are defending and play counter-attack, the striker has to have more mobility. If not, he’s just a target-man. For our team that is not ideal. Can we play this way? Yes, but we would need to sign other players. It depends on the players around.
“Sometimes you want to have different options. It’s true that the was sent off is some games or he was banned for an elbow and things like that, but now he is doing well.”
Aleksandar Mitrovic’s record against Everton amid £40m transfer links
While Everton fans seem less than keen on bringing Mitrovic to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, there is no doubt that the striker can make a difference when it matters most.
Reports have stated that Everton will have to fend off the likes of Manchester United if their interest in Mitrovic is genuine, as Ruben Amorim aims to push the Red Devils further up the table.
Record vs Everton Aleksandar Mitrovic
Appearances 7
Wins 2
Draws 1
Defeats 4
Goals 0
Assists 1
Bookings 2
The Friedkin Group want one marquee signing for Everton this summer. While there is no sign that he is that, Mitrovic will certainly be a candidate for the title.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s contract expiring, and Beto’s Everton future still unknown, there is a good chance Mitrovic will be thrown straight into the starting XI at Everton. However, it would be to the dismay of many fans.