Goodison View: Josip Brekalo reportedly hands in transfer request, Everton must sign him
Everton-linked Josip Brekalo has reportedly handed in his transfer request at Wolfsburg.
According to German media outlet Sport Buzzer, Brekalo wants out of the Bundesliga outfit this summer, but there hasn’t been any offer made for his services.
Everton, who are looking to sign wide forwards in this transfer window, were linked with the Croatian in May [BILD], and could look to make a move for him this summer.
Worth pursuing
The likes of Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend are decent bench options, but they’re in no way strengthening our first eleven and will not be the ones to take us to the next level.
We’ve lacked depth in that department in the past, so it’s understandable why Marcel Brands and co. went down that route, but we still need to sign a first-team name.
Carlo Ancelotti typically played a 4-3-3 which saw James Rodriguez and Richarlison being deployed in the wide positions, but if Rafa Benitez is to move to a 4-2-3-1, which is possible, then we would need someone playing on the right.
Brekalo, someone who’s been previously compared to Arjen Robben, as he’s also like the Dutch legend, he enjoyed cutting inside and fancied a long-range effort on goal.
However, he’s matured as a player and now appears in central positions too.
This could be ideal if he’s on the same page as James as it could give our attack fluidity with them interchanging roles every now and then.
He’s also become a regular for his national side and competed at the 2018 World Cup as well as Euro 2020.
The 22-year-old’s biography on the Bundesliga website makes for good reading: “Brekalo was talked up as a right-footed version of Bayern Munich legend Robben in his early days, but has since been repurposed in a more central attacking role.
“The Croatian’s pace, nifty feet and eye for goal, coupled with his pint-sized stature, all make for one tricky customer.”
What makes him stand out from other players in his position is that he’s got an eye for the killer pass as well.
According to Statsbomb data, he’s in the 80th percentile for progressive passes per 90′ by players in his position in Europe’s top five leagues.
His passes attempted as well as progressive carries are on the higher end, and should we get him to Goodison Park, it will be an incredible bit of business by Brands.
In other Everton news, Pundit wants Everton to sign 30y/o to win over fans, offer reportedly tabled already
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