Everton recently pursued a new forward in the January transfer window, and they moved swiftly after striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin suffered an injury.
Consequently, the Toffees scoured the market to strengthen their attack, demonstrating a proactive approach in these challenging times.
Moreover, the club deployed scouts to evaluate a forward who had secured a top-flight winners medal in the 2016-17 season. In addition, the candidate had played a pivotal role in a title-winning side, which initially piqued the interest of manager David Moyes.
Specifically, Everton focused on Michy Batshuayi, a 31-year-old forward known for his striking record. He scored nine goals in 28 appearances under Antonio Conte at Chelsea, and he notably sealed the title with a crucial goal against West Brom. Furthermore, his Premier League title credentials made him a tempting prospect.
However, the scouting reports did not deliver the positive verdict that Everton had hoped for. As a result, David Moyes pulled out of the move after the feedback failed to impress. In short, the management decided to prioritize quality over urgency in the transfer market.
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In addition, Batshuayi’s career trajectory changed recently when he joined Eintracht Frankfurt from Galatasaray last week. Therefore, the potential loan move became unfeasible, which forced Everton to reconsider their options and focus on alternative solutions.
Furthermore, Everton’s owners also turned down a deal for West Brom winger Tom Fellows to preserve funds for the upcoming summer window. Notably, Moyes had previously been linked with Batshuayi during his tenure at West Ham in 2018, which highlights his longstanding interest in the forward.
Simultaneously, injuries have further complicated Everton’s forward dilemma. With Calvert-Lewin sidelined alongside former Chelsea man Armando Broja and Youssef Chermiti, the club now relies on Beto as their only genuine No. 9 option. This situation underscores the pressing need for a dependable striker.
Ultimately, the decision to cancel the move for Batshuayi reflects Everton’s commitment to thorough due diligence. In addition, the club must now navigate these transfer challenges wisely as they aim to bolster their attacking force in the remainder of the season.
