Everton are reportedly readying an offer worth £2 million for the signing of FC Schalke 04’s USMNT forward Matthew Hoppe this summer.
According to a report from journalist Ekrem Konur, Everton have held talks with German outfit FC Schalke and have gathered information about centre-forward Matthew Hoppe. The Toffees are now preparing an opening offer for the 20-year-old striker.
Hoppe spent the formative years of his footballing career in the United States, having had stints with the youth teams of FC Golden State, LA Galaxy and Strikers FC while he also spent time at the Barca Academy in Casa Grande before making his way to Schalke in the summer of 2019.
After spending the first year with Schalke’s Under-19 and B teams, Hoppe broke into the first-team last season and was one of the few rare positives in a campaign that ended with relegation from Bundesliga. To date, the 20-year-old centre-forward has made 24 appearances for the German club, scoring six goals and setting up one more.
Hoppe also broke into the United States Men’s National Team earlier this year and has gone on to feature five times, scoring one goal in the process. With Schalke getting relegated and the finances being hit hard by the pandemic, they would have to sell some of their assets this summer. And, Everton are looking to capitalise on the situation by launching a move for Hoppe.
Everton made a good start to the new season under the management of Rafael Benitez, beating Southampton 3-1 on Saturday. While it was a positive sign, the Toffees still have a lot to do in the transfer market before the window closes in two weeks’ time.
Among the positions that need to be strengthened, the centre-forward slot should be a top priority for Benitez & co. Beyond star striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the Merseysiders do not boast of quality options, with Richarlison likely to be stationed out on the left flank.
Moise Kean, back after his loan spell at Paris Saint-Germain, continues to be linked with an exit, while Cenk Tosun is also not a part of the manager’s plans moving forward. So, it becomes imperative that Everton bring in a new central striker to support and provide cover for Calvert-Lewin, who himself has been linked with a shock move to Tottenham.
To that end, Everton have shown an interest in Manchester United’s Anthony Martial, but the Frenchman is set to stay put at Old Trafford. Alternatives need to be identified, as a result, with Hoppe emerging as one. The Toffees are said to have met with Schalke and gained information about the striker, with a £2 million bid now in the works.
It now remains to be seen if they push ahead with their interest in Hoppe and whether Schalke are willing to accept the low-ball offer or demand a higher fee for Hoppe.
