Everton transfer news as Youssef Chermiti to be announced today
The deal for Sporting CP striker Youssef Chermiti to Everton will be confirmed today [8 August] and he could be presented to fans this afternoon, according to Record.
The Portuguese newspaper reported in its print edition [8 August, pg 16] that Cermiti is already in England to undergo a medical before signing a five-year deal at Goodison Park, and could be presented to fans even before the deal is closed.
It is also reported that Everton’s deal for Chermiti is a gamble given his age, although it is supported by several reports gathered by their scouting department who followed the forward throughout the 2022/23 season.
The first block in place
Everton’s priority this summer has been to improve their squad up front, with Sean Dyche looking to improve on the 34 goals his side scored last season, which was the second-lowest tally in the Premier League with only Wolves scoring less.
Chermiti will be the first building block towards strengthening the strike force, with the Toffees still targeting a move for a new striker to provide more experience as it would be risky to place all their eggs in one basket with the 19-year-old.
The Toffees have been linked with a move for Leicester City striker Patson Daka and Southampton forward Che Adams, with plenty of Premier League experience between them and a proven track record of goalscoring [Daily Mail, 8 August].
There were concerns at Goodison Park over heading into another Premier League season headed by an injury-prone Dominic Calvert-Lewin and profligate Neal Maupay, but the Chermiti deal will ease these worries.
Everton are still likely to be busy as the transfer market draws to a close on 1 September, with multiple positions in their squad still in need of improvement.
In other Everton news, another Goodison Park exit is on the cards with an English club interested.