Everton have made a decent start to life under Marco Silva but lack a true number nine to fire them into Europe.
The former Watford boss has completely transformed the Everton side since replacing Sam Allardyce in the summer. The Everton squad has adapted quickly to the Portuguese’s methods, and Everton fans will be pleased to see free-flowing attacking football return to Goodison Park. However, the Blues have been lacking a real number nine since allowing Romelu Lukaku to join Manchester United two seasons ago.
Cenk Tosun has failed to find the back of the net consistently since joining from Besiktas back in January, forcing Silva to use Richarlison as the central striker. It’s clear the Brazilian looks far more effective in his usual left-wing role. Therefore, signing a new forward should be a priority in the upcoming January transfer window.
The final piece of the puzzle could be Borussia Monchengladbach forward – Alassane Plea. Valued at £25.2m by Transfermarkt, the Frenchman was chased by many of Europe’s top clubs over the summer and impressing for Nice in Ligue 1. It was Monchengladbach who eventually won the race for his signature, paying just over £20m to prise him from France.
Plea has made an excellent start to life in the Bundesliga, netting eight goals in just 14 league appearances as well as scoring a hat-trick in his one DFB-Pokal appearance. The 25-year-old can play right across the forward line making him a useful option for Silva to have at his disposal. Plea thrives on the shoulder of the last defender and working with a playmaker like Gylfi Sigurdsson would help score even more goals.
After making his debut for the national team back in November, a move to Merseyside could help cement his place in the side.
Everton fans, thoughts?