Goodison News speaking to Kevin Campbell

Sun 14 May 2023 9:10, UK

We’re delighted to welcome former Everton striker Kevin Campbell as our exclusive columnist. Each week the former Toffees captain will be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Goodison Park…

Kevin Campbell is in support of Everton pursuing a deal to sign Lyon striker Moussa Dembele on a free transfer this summer.

The former Celtic and Fulham man is certain to move at the end of the season once his contract at the French side expires according to Fabrizio Romano on 23 April, and Jeunes Footeux reported on 3 April that there is already a four-year contract on the table for him at Goodison Park if the Toffees stay in the Premier League.

Despite Sean Dyche working wonders to get Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit, Campbell is clear that more options are needed in attack amid a risk of possible set backs and feels the contract offer to 26-year-old Dembele is the right option.

Speaking exclusively to Goodison News the Sky Sports pundit said: “Yeah I do think [he’s the right sort of player]. 

“I think Dominic Calvert-Lewin, he’s good being fit now but his problem has been staying fit. 

“Now Moussa Dembele, he’s scored goals wherever he’s gone. He’s a handful. He’s got a good all-round game. I think if you create chances for him he’ll score.

“You do need threats up top, somebody who’s experienced, and mentally strong enough to take the chances. 

“I think he would be a good signing for the right money, he’s not a bad name to bring in.”

Calvert-Lewin’s return has made a huge difference in the past couple of games, but the previous two years have proven what a struggle it is when he is not available.

The Neal Maupay experiment hasn’t worked at all, and Dyche doesn’t appear ready to give Ellis Simms a sustained run yet, so a senior forward signing this summer is a must.

It is contingent on the job of staying in the top flight being completed, but Dembele makes a lot of sense from a cost and ability point of view assuming that is done.