Everton are among the clubs interested in signing Clermont Foot striker Mohamed Bayo, according to a report from French outlet Foot Mercato.
The lowdown: Wanted man
A product of the youth system at Clermont, Bayo has flourished in France and has amassed 48 direct goal involvements in 79 appearances for the Ligue 1 outfit.
The 24-year-old Guinea international had previously been a reported target for West Ham but any move failed to materialise and now several clubs have taken notice of the powerful frontman.
As Blues boss Frank Lampard looks to replace Richarlison following the Brazilian’s switch to Tottenham last week, Bayo could be among the candidates to fill the void at Goodison Park…
The latest: Everton interested
As per Foot Mercato, Everton, Valencia, Hertha Berlin and Tottenham themselves all ‘follow’ the 11-cap Guinea international.
It’s claimed that Eintracht Frankfurt and Marseille also hold an interest in Bayo – who was lauded for his ‘clinical finishing’ by football writer Antonio Mango in April 2021 having fired Clermont to promotion to the French top flight.
The report also cites admiration from Lille and states that it would take offers of around €10-11million (£8.5-9million) in order to prize the star away this summer.
The verdict: Make it happen
Albeit still relatively inexperienced at the highest level, Bayo has already shown a ruthless streak in front of goal in his short career to date that would be of huge benefit to Lampard’s ranks, particularly following the exit of Richarlison which leaves just Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Salomon Rondon as the only two remaining senior centre-forward options.
Last season, the France-born Guinean sensation scored 14 times and provided five assists whilst earning an impressive 6.94 Sofascore rating comprising of 2.1 shots, one key pass and 2.8 successful duels on average per game in Ligue 1.
Sharing similar stylistic traits with familiar names such as Tammy Abraham, Che Adams and Arkadiusz Milik (Fbref), signing Bayo for the mooted asking price would be a worthwhile venture for the Toffees and Director of Football Kevin Thelwell.
About the Author
