After announcing the arrival of Iliman Ndiaye, Everton have reportedly reached an agreement to sign a free agent who matched Dominic Calvert-Lewin for goals last season.
The Toffees finally got their summer business underway recently by welcoming back Jack Harrison and signing both Tim Iroegbunam and Ndiaye.
Sean Dyche aims to assemble a squad capable of steering clear of relegation trouble in the Premier League. The Everton boss will hope to avoid the disruption of profit and sustainability sanctions to ensure the team’s performance is reflected in their standings.
Speaking for the first time since signing for the club, Ndiaye told Everton’s official website:
“I am so pleased to be an Everton player. The main reasons I wanted to join were how big the club is, its history, and the part I can play in helping the team in the forward direction it is going in. I’m so excited and can’t wait to get going.
“Kevin [Thelwell] and the manager both spoke to me and made me feel wanted. My Senegal teammate Idrissa also played a part and spoke highly of the Club and a lot of good things.”
The former Sheffield United star is seemingly about to get an instant strike partner too. According to Africafoot via Sport Witness, Everton have agreed a deal to sign Sekou Koita this summer.
The 24-year-old recently left Red Bull Salzburg as a free agent following the end of his contract and now looks set to complete a bargain move to Goodison Park.
Reportedly set to become Everton’s fifth signing of the summer, Koita should provide Dyche with yet another attacking boost.
“Prolific” Koita can compete with Calvert-Lewin:
While Calvert-Lewin’s Everton future was questioned in the early stages of the summer window, those rumours have since quieted, suggesting that he’s set to stay put for now. However, his place could be under instant threat with the pending arrival of Koita, who Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig previously described as “prolific”.
Now 24 years old, Koita enjoyed another impressive campaign at Salzburg last season, scoring eight goals in 24 appearances to match Calvert-Lewin’s tally. This potentially gives Dyche plenty to consider ahead of August.
Suddenly, from a fairly blunt attack last season, Everton could start the new campaign with Calvert-Lewin, Ndiaye, and Koita to call on. This is a positive sign that they are ready to put their relegation threat to bed once and for all. The Toffees, with their new arrivals, should make for an interesting watch at the beginning of the coming campaign.