Everton are reportedly plotting a late move to sign Southampton’s electric attacker Kamaldeen Sulemana as a potential replacement for Fulham-bound Alex Iwobi.
That’s according to a report from Football Insider, which states Toffees’ boss Sean Dyche is keen “to bring in a goalscoring winger” before the 11 p.m. transfer deadline. And Kamaldeen Sulemana is high on his wish list.
Everton could well be set for a busy end to the transfer window if they do manage to sell Demarai Gray and Alex Iwobi in time to make further signings. They were also hot on the heels of Leeds United’s Wilfried Gnonto. But he now looks set to stay at Elland Road after playing the full ninety minutes in Leeds’s last two games.
While that pursuit may have come to nothing, they desperately need more attacking reinforcements through the door to strengthen their squad, with just hours left of the summer transfer window.
Last season, one of the club’s bright spots was the reinvigorated Alex Iwobi. But Dyche’s side are now faced with the prospect of losing the Nigerian international before the closing of the transfer window, with Fulham closing in on landing his signature.
Indeed, according to recent reports, the Cottagers are set to sign the dynamic midfielder in a deal worth £22 million. Although the Toffees were reluctant to sell Iwobi, the former Arsenal man was into the final year of his deal on Merseyside and wasn’t keen on renewing, making an exit inevitable before the 11 pm deadline.
Nevertheless, such a sale could mean that funds are freed up to complete a move for top target Kamaldeen Sulemana, who could be the perfect star to enhance the Everton frontline.
Summer signings Jack Harrison, Arnaut Danjuma, and Ashley Young can all play on the wing. But none offer the dynamism, electricity, and pace on transitions like Sulemana, who is adept at unlocking defences and dismantling opposition defensive lines in a manner that few can replicate.
Having only arrived at St. Mary’s from Rennes back in January, the 21-year-old still has another four years remaining on his contract. But following relegation from the Premier League, the south coast outfit could be looking to cash in another one of their most prized assets to raise funds.
The player himself wishes to leave Southampton following the club’s relegation from the Premier League this year and is open to joining at Goodison Park in another boost for the Toffees.
Having said that, Football Insider states that Southampton value Sulemana at £30 million, ensuring a £9 million profit on the £21 million fee they forked out just eight months ago. And at that price point, the 21-year-old could prove too expensive for the Toffees, even with Iwobi heading to West London with top-flight rivals Fulham.
Sulemana could prove to be a good addition, so it will be interesting to see if Everton can reach an agreement with Southampton with time running out before the window slams shut.
