Everton handed transfer boost as Wout Weghorst nears Manchester United move
Everton could be handed a transfer boost in their pursuit of Anthony Elanga as Besiktas forward Wout Weghorst closes in on a move to Manchester United, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The Echo reported on 29 December that Elanga was one of a number of forward targets for Frank Lampard in the January transfer window.
Now the report claims that one of the conditions for Elanga to leave Old Trafford on loan during this window was if United brought in a forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, which seems likely after Weghorst waved an “emotional goodbye” to Besiktas fans at the weekend.
“Wout Weghorst’s loan switch to Manchester United could hand Everton a boost in their pursuit of Anthony Elanga,” as quoted by the Liverpool Echo (11 January).
“The ECHO understands that one of the conditions that had to be met in order for Elanga to leave on loan during this window was that United had to bring in a forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr last month after leaving the Old Trafford club back in November.
“And now the arrival of Weghorst, from Burnley, appeared to move closer on Tuesday, and could prompt Ten Hag to allow the winger to leave in order to secure regular game time. The Sweden international has only made 18 appearances in all competitions so far this season, with most of them coming off the bench.
“Weghorst, who is on loan at Besiktas from Burnley, appeared to wave an emotional goodbye to the club’s fans after scoring the winner in a 2-1 Super Lig victory over Kasimpasa at the weekend. The former Wolfsburg star has hit the ground running in Turkey, netting eight goals and registering four assists in 16 league games.”
Is Elanga that guy?
Everton need forward reinforcements desperately but making a move for a forward who has hardly played any top-flight football is a risky bet.
The Blues want a striker who can come into their ranks and hit the ground running instantly, not a will he, won’t he project that could end up in disaster.
Is Elanga the guy to do that? Right now, he doesn’t look like the kind of game-changing forward who can save the Toffees from relegation.
There are simply better options out there on the market for Everton to explore, the likes of Viktor Gyokeres and Ben Brereton-Diaz would be far safer options.
Even veteran Premier League poacher Danny Ings should be considered over Elanga, at least he has a proven knack for scoring multiple goals in the English top flight.
Whoever Everton ends up making a move for, they must get their transfer act together soon, the relentless Premier League waits for no one.