Everton target Ben Brereton Diaz would be a gamble at Goodison Park – Journalist
Everton signing Blackburn Rovers striker Ben Brereton Diaz this month would be considered “a gamble”, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.
The Toffees are admirers of the Chilean international and have been linked [5 January] with the forward this month, as Frank Lampard looks to bolster his attacking options for the second half of the campaign.
Diaz has been a consistent goalscorer in the Sky Bet Championship throughout the past few seasons bagging a total of 40 goals for the Blue and Whites and has long been touted with a move to the Premier League to prove his quality.
However, his lack of experience at the top level in England has come into question and Jones, speaking to GiveMeSport [10 January] has expressed concerns at a potential move this winter.
He said: “It would be a gamble. Brereton Diaz is a player that’s been talked about now for 18 months in terms of coming to the Premier League, but he hasn’t come yet.
“Is £15 million a lot? Not really, to be honest. He’s got a pretty consistent strike rate and certainly a consistent performance rate.
“So it’s not that much for a forward of his type. Yes, it’s a bit of a gamble, because we don’t know he can definitely do it in the Premier League, but it does hold some value.”
Deserves a chance
It is no secret that the Toffees desire attacking quality as they look to drag themselves out of the Premier League drop zone after what’s been a disappointing season so far for the club.
With Lampard’s attacking options struggling to impress and score goals to boost them up the table, signing a regular and consistent striker could come as a huge coup for the former Chelsea player and boss.
Brereton Diaz throughout his time at Blackburn has proven he’s got what it takes to cut it in the Premier League but hasn’t been given the opportunity just yet.
Yes, there are indeed concerns about his pedigree and whether he could replicate his Championship form in the English top flight. Many have indeed tried and failed. But there are examples of success stories too. Just look at Harry Kane.
At 23 years of age, Diaz deserves an opportunity to do so. He’s a player with the right character, drive and personality to have a go, but whether that’s at Everton is uncertain.
Will the Chilean excel under the weight and pressure to be the Toffees hero in such a short space of time? Probably not. It is unfair to heap that much expectation on him.
Everton going for Diaz can of course be considered a gamble, and if a move materialises this month, Lampard must ensure it is one which proves an invaluable one for the club.