Paul Merson tips Everton to sign Steven Bergwijn as he slams Tottenham Richarlison move
Richarlison moving to Tottenham makes no sense but Everton signing Steven Bergwijn in return would be a “big hit”, according to Paul Merson.
The former Toffees star has completed a £60million move to North London but the Sky Sports pundit doesn’t think he is good enough to get into the Spurs team considering the front three they already have.
Dutchman Bergwijn is on his way out of the club and Everton have reportedly offered him a better deal than he was due to get from Ajax [90min] in an attempt to snatch him away from his expected move, something which Merson has tipped as a very sensible move.
In his column for the Daily Star he said: “I also don’t think Richarlison is the right signing for Tottenham – but Steven Bergwijn would be a big hit for Everton. I don’t get why Spurs are going for Richarlison.
“I’m not his biggest fan. I think he has his moments but he goes missing sometimes as well. He also misses a lot of chances, his goalscoring record isn’t great, and I don’t see where he plays for Tottenham.
“He doesn’t get in ahead of Harry Kane. He doesn’t get in ahead of Heung-min Son. And Dejan Kulusevski was one of their best players last season. I know you need a squad but Richarlison will want to play every week. It surprises me they are going for him.
“But it doesn’t surprise me that Everton want Bergwijn. He never got a real run in the team at Spurs. But I think he can play and he might be a nice surprise for Everton. He’s quick and he’s creative and he scores goals and I think he would fit in nicely at Goodison Park.”
Blessing in disguise
It can’t be argued that the departed Brazilian was a major reason why the Toffees stayed in the Premier League at the end of the 2021/22 season, but he does face a struggle to feature regularly at his new club.
Now that he is gone all that matters is how the gap that he leaves is filled, and it is not impossible that Frank Lampard is able to get someone in there for a fraction of the cost who still contributes heavily.
Whether the late attempt to make Bergwijn that man is going to be successful remains to be seen, as Ajax can offer Champions League football.
The 24-year-old is one of a number of players at both Spurs and Chelsea that have apparently been linked to the Richarlison exit, but were kept out in order to complete a cash deal.
Bergwijn is the not the exact same type of player but could provide some of the same output if they can convince him to stay in the Premier League.
If the club were to come out of the exchange with Tottenham on top it would put a much more positive spin on what has felt like a negative experience so far this window.