Everton likely to register Neal Maupay in time for debut against Brentford – Alan Myers
By Jonty Banks
Everton are set to complete the signing of Brighton forward Neal Maupay in time for him to make his debut this weekend, according to Alan Myers.
The Sky Sports journalist reported on Twitter on Friday (26 August) that the 26-year-old Frenchman is currently undergoing the second part of his medical and is likely to be registered by 12:00pm, enabling him to be available for the Toffees game against Brentford in West London on Saturday (27 August).
Frank Lampard’s need for attacking reinforcements has been well documented, as the club look to provide competition for the injury-prone Dominic Calvert-Lewin and 32-year-old Salomon Rondon.
Maupay, who has netted 26 times for the Seagulls across three seasons, has fallen out of favour with Graham Potter and is yet to start for Brighton this season.
The deal will keep the forward at Goodison Park until June 2025 and is rumoured to be in the region of £15 million.
Useful for squad depth
Three games into the Premier League season and Everton fans can see one glaringly obvious flaw within their side: A lack of goals.
With Calvert-Lewin constantly sidelined with injury after injury and Rondon lacking the mobility to suit Lampard’s style of play, reinforcements are certainly needed before the window closes.
Although fans may not be overawed by the signing of Maupay, he will at least provide options for Everton’s dwindling front-line, and the forward also has a handy knack of scoring important goals at crucial moments.
As a number two striker to Calvert-Lewin, Maupay would be a great addition, and he would also add a bit of bite to a side who seemingly lack a mean streak.
Everton are still interested with Ben Brereton Diaz, so if the club can complete both these signings, they will have improved their squad dramatically.
At a modest price and with transfer deadline day looming, getting this signing over the line was a handy piece of transfer work from Everton.