Everton in negotiations with Rennes to sign Kamaldeen Sulemana
Everton are currently “in negotiations” to secure the loan signing of Rennes forward Kamaldeen Sulemana this month, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.
According to a report from the Liverpool Echo, Sulemana is one of a number of players the Toffees like, but that no deal is imminent at present [17 January].
The Daily Mail [16 January] also reported that Everton have asked Rennes about taking their winger on loan as Frank Lampard is desperately keen to bolster his forward department.
And speaking on the House Of Champions: A CBS Soccer Podcast, [18 January, 15m28s], Romano said the two clubs are currently in talks to discuss the kind of deal Toffees want.
He said: “It’s not easy for Everton because financially, they don’t have the power to go and sign important players for £40 million or £50 million.
“Also, many players are worried about the situation in the table. It’s normal to see a difficult market for Everton, but they’re trying.
“They are trying in many positions, for example, Kamaldeen Sulemana from Rennes, the Ghanaian winger is a player they really appreciate. They are in negotiations for a loan with buy option.”
Smart
There’s no doubt that Sulemana is indeed one of the top attacking talents on the continent. Blessed with unerring speed, dribbling qualities and breathtaking acceleration, he’d add so much invention and verve to the Everton attack, for sure.
However, while Sulemana may prove a danger to defences, his productivity in the attacking third does need some work. He’s only registered just the one goal in 13 Ligue 1 appearances this season, and Everton already have attacking talents struggling to register goals and assists when required.
Players like Anthony Gordon and Demarai Gray certainly possess the talent to change Everton’s fortunes but they don’t exert it enough when it matters. Sulemana at his age and raw profile, could excite fans but without really threatening.
Considering the plight the Toffees find themselves in, Lampard desperately needs players well-versed in delivering under pressure, someone like Arnaut Danjuma would be incredibly ideal.
Sulemana would be a smart buy for the future, and signing him on a loan with a buy option makes a lot of sense, and is a deal without risks. But if Everton are to sign him, he shouldn’t be their only action this month.