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Everton have faced significant struggles in recent years, often flirting with relegation from the Premier League and, until the dismissal of Sean Dyche, lacking any attacking spark.
While there has been some improvement since David Moyes took charge, the current squad still appears limited, and long-term changes are necessary.
During the January transfer window, Everton was active in the market, aware of their weaknesses on the right wing and, more critically, at centre-forward.
Spending is crucial moving forward, especially with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the team’s first-choice striker, seemingly nearing the end of his time at the club.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Future at Everton
Calvert-Lewin has been a prominent figure in the Premier League for years, but his lack of goals in recent seasons has largely been due to a series of injuries.
He scored an impressive goal in Everton’s win over Tottenham Hotspur, marking Moyes’ first victory in his second stint as manager, but prior to that, he had gone 16 matches without scoring or assisting, missing 13 big chances.
So, where do Everton go from here? There’s a possibility that Moyes’ arrival could lead to a last-minute contract offer to keep the 27-year-old at the club, but it may be time for a fresh start.
Although Beto is in good form at the moment, he was linked with a January move and has been inconsistent in front of goal throughout his Premier League career. It’s unfortunate that Everton already sold the ideal successor to the number nine spot.
Dyche’s Departure and Everton’s Striker Issues
Everton’s struggles with strikers have been ongoing, with Calvert-Lewin only occasionally delivering standout performances.
Players like Neal Maupay, Cenk Tosun, and Moise Kean have all failed to make an impact under Farhad Moshiri’s ownership.
However, some of these issues have stemmed from Everton’s own decisions, such as the sale of 22-year-old Tom Cannon to Leicester City for around £7m in September 2023, despite making just four appearances for the first team.
Cannon subsequently moved to Sheffield United for £10m in January, and reports indicate Everton had been interested in the rising star, less than two years after agreeing to sell him. Since leaving, Cannon has developed his game, using his powerful frame effectively and excelling in aerial duels.
This season, he ranks among the top 19% of Championship strikers for aerial duels won per 90 minutes.
More importantly, Cannon has been in excellent form in front of goal, scoring 11 goals in 28 appearances across all competitions for both Stoke and Sheffield United.
His performance, highlighted by an impressive four-goal display against Portsmouth, demonstrates his ability to be a reliable source of firepower.
Everton’s search for a young EFL talent doesn’t end with Cannon. They have also expressed interest in West Bromwich Albion’s Tom Fellows, a 21-year-old right-sided winger who has registered 11 assists in 31 Championship games this season.
Fellows has impressed with his performances, earning praise for his “unbelievable” displays from his teammate, Karlan Grant.
Everton’s transfer strategy seems to focus on both experienced players for the summer and reinvigorating their youth foundation.
Although Fellows may be available at the end of the season, with Cannon now playing for Sheffield United, Everton will need to adjust their focus when it comes to strengthening their attack.
It’s unfortunate that Cannon, who had shown promise and had a deep understanding of the team, was allowed to leave.
He had an impressive record at youth level, scoring 51 goals and providing 14 assists for Everton’s U18 and U21 teams.
In the Championship this season, he has missed nine big chances while also scoring nine goals, demonstrating his clinical nature in front of goal.
This stands in contrast to Calvert-Lewin, who has scored just three Premier League goals despite missing 13 big chances.
In the end, Everton will likely be pursuing a new striker in the summer. It’s a missed opportunity that they let Cannon go before he reached his full potential.
While his departure helped manage financial constraints and potential sanctions, his physical style and sharp finishing would have suited Moyes’ system well.
As Cannon continues to improve, Everton may regret their decision, as he seems poised to reach a high level in the future.
