Everton have reportedly lodged a “verbal offer” to sign Ligue 1 speedster Kamaldeen Sulemana from Stade Rennais as a replacement for Anthony Gordon.
According to The Athletic, Everton are interested in signing Rennes winger Kamaldeen Sulemana to bolster their attack before the end of the January transfer window.
The Toffees made a verbal transfer offer for the Ghana international on Sunday. They are now awaiting a response from Rennes, who want a fee in the region of €30 million for their prized asset amid reports that the player is open to leaving the Ligue 1 outfit this month.
Everton have netted a huge cheque of £45 million for Anthony Gordon. The England Under-21 international joined Newcastle United on a long-term deal after skipping training to force through a move to Tyneside.
Gordon was one of the few standout performers for Everton last season, and his departure leaves a significant void in the squad. The upside is that the Toffees now have sufficient funds to work with in the final days of the winter transfer window since reinforcements are required all across the pitch.
Sean Dyche has been announced as the new Everton boss. And one would imagine he is already working on transfers. A forward and a winger are at the top of the list, and the Toffees are linked to a whole host of names, including Hakim Ziyech, as the clock ticks on.
After missing out on Arnaut Danjuma due to Tottenham hijacking the deal late on, the Toffees’ search for offensive reinforcement appears to have taken them to Rennes wide man Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Sulemana was snapped up by Rennes in the 2021 summer transfer window on the back of an eye-catching season with FC Nodsjaelland in Denmark, for whom he hit 14 goals and eight assists in just 43 appearances.
The Ghanaian burst onto the scene in Ligue 1 last season, scoring four goals and providing two assists during his debut campaign. However, the 20-year-old has struggled for game time and has managed just two starts under Bruno Genesio at Roazhon Park. He has one goal and two assists across all competitions this season.
Everton have been toothless in attack this season, with a genuine lack of creativity a real of concern. Dyche had worked with Dwight McNeil at Burnley and brought out the best in him. McNeil has struggled to make an impression at Goodison Park, but Dyche’s arrival should help the winger.
However, Andros Townsend is still recovering from his cruciate ligament injury, and Demarai Gray has blown hot and cold this season. So Everton could certainly benefit by adding some flair on the flanks.
Sulemana would surely add some much-needed pace and urgency in wide areas thanks to his excellent work rate and exceptional dribbling ability, especially in 1v1 situations. While he does not seem like much of a Dyche signing, he has some traditional winger attributes and is a good crosser of the ball.
Everton are not the only Premier League side looking to strike a deal for Sulemana, with Southampton also seeking his services. Given the desperation, Everton are expected to have a very busy transfer deadline day. And work is already being done on certain deals. Sulemana’s pursuit is certainly one worth keeping an eye on, with several clubs chasing after his signature.
