Harri Burton

Wed 29 November 2023 20:40, UK

News surrounding a potential Everton target has come to light and he may be a suitable heir to Jack Harrison’s spot on the right wing.

With the Toffees’ current financial situation and potential relegation from the Premier League, it could be a difficult task to extend the Leeds United loanee’s contract at the club once it runs out at the end of the season.

Everton have joined Crystal Palace in targeting 22-year-old Kasey McAteer from Leicester City in a January transfer window swoop, according to FootballTransfers.

While it is understood that there is no option to buy in Harrison’s contract, there is, however, a release clause included which can be invoked during the loan spell, as per Sky Sports.

This clause has not been triggered as of yet, which would imply that bringing in a backup option, and subsequent successor, would be a good idea. This is where McAteer comes into the fold.

As the 27-year-old, Harrison clearly has the upper hand when it comes to experience. Following several loan spells with Leeds from Manchester City, the former club eventually made the deal permanent in July 2021 and has since made 80 appearances for the Whites.

The winger was once again loaned out, with Everton signing him for the season in the summer of 2023. It is a true wonder as to why Harrison has never managed to settle at a club for longer than a couple of seasons.

With this in mind, bringing in another winger, who can flourish under Sean Dyche and become a key attacking outlet, should be top of the list of priorities for Everton’s squad. Becoming dependent on a loan player helps no one unless the release clause is triggered.

McAteer has proven himself to be a key player under Enzo Maresca at the King Power Stadium. And his underlying stats suggest that he could play an even more vital role at Goodison Park if he were to replace Harrison.

The Foxes’ direct winger is a dynamic runner, a jiving trickster, and is not afraid to get stuck in when defending his team’s penalty area.

His 54.6 per cent tackle success rate towers above Harrison’s of 33.3 per cent. With 36 duels won, making up 52 per cent of total duels entered, McAteer beats Harrison once again with only 27 duels won, accounting for 41.5 per cent of total duels entered.

Defensive capabilities are extremely important in a Dyche team, with Everton giving up the majority of possession in most games this season. But with a very defensive shape off the ball comes a quick, cut-throat counter-attack style of play on the ball.

McAteer’s pace, ability on the ball and mature decision-making are perfect for exactly that situation. His four goals outperform his xG of 2.97, and his 85.9 per cent pass completion is superior to Harrison’s 70.2 per cent, while the former’s 66.7 per cent long ball accuracy would be a huge positive for Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The prospect of Everton making a move for McAteer is an intriguing one. While he is a very inexperienced player at this point, learning from a winger such as Harrison could only help his development.

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