Everton could now join race for Dutch attacker Noa Lang
Everton could rival Leeds United for the transfer of Club Brugge’s Noa Lang as they look to solve their attacking issues, according to Dean Jones.
Although Yerry Mina’s early header in the defeat to Wolves on Boxing Day avoided another blank the Toffees have been struggling badly for goals as their form has taken a nosedive.
And with Lang, who featured for the Netherlands at the World Cup in Qatar, likely to be on the move in January according to Fabrizio Romano [Caught Offside], with an asking price of up to €35million [£31million], former Eurosport journalist Jones believes Everton could be an option.
He told Give Me Sport (27 December): “Leeds have been hot on Lang for ages and he’s very aware of their interest. But Everton are looking for creative options, so that might be something to look out for.”
The answer?
Everton need help going forward, and while a striker to fill in for Dominic Calvert-Lewin has to be the priority, Frank Lampard is believed to want a second attacker in January.
While Lang is primarily a wide forward he is versatile and can feature across the front line or in midfield, while his record of 31 goals and 29 assists during his three seasons at Club Brugge suggest he could help with the dual Everton issues of creating and finishing chances.
Crucially he appears to be available, but won’t come cheap so whether the club currently have the spending power to complete such a deal remains to be seen.
Mohammed Kudus came close to a move to Goodison Park at the end of the summer transfer window, but after eye-catching performances in the Champions League this season have attracted plenty of attention it is possible that Lang is a more feasible alternative.
At 23 the Dutchman would also likely retain retail value for some time, and in many ways he would appear to fit the bill of what Everton need to help address the worrying slide in form.