Everton target Karamoko Dembele can go ‘to the top’, says Blackpool manager
Everton have been keeping a close eye on Blackpool loanee Karamoko Dembele, whose current manager Neil Critchley has called a “really exciting” talent.
Everton were linked with signing the 21-year-old back in January and could go back in for Dembele this summer once he returns to his parent club, Stade Brest.
After Dembele scored nine goals and set up another 14 for Blackpool this season, Critchley told the Blackpool Gazette he wasn’t surprised by top-flight interest.
Critchley said: “He’s been outstanding, (and) rightly won the supporters’ and players’ player of the season.
“He always takes the game to the opposition, he’s nearly got double figures in goals, he’s got double figures in assists. For his first full season in senior football, I think he’s a really exciting player for the future.”
On the prospect of Dembele staying at Blackpool, he added: “I think he can go to the top. Of course, we would love to keep him but sometimes you’re a victim of your own success in terms of developing these players – that’s the loan market.”
Everton to seal Dembele transfer at Goodison Park?
Everton have undergone a massive surge in form this month, winning four of five matches in April to escape a relegation battle and confirm their place in the Premier League next season.
With a new season comes new arrivals, and although the Toffees have had their fair share of financial woes in the transfer market, bringing in a player like Dembele wouldn’t require the monetary excess that has come home to roost in recent months.
Dembele is under contract at Brest until 2026, but having had a breakout season at Blackpool, the former Celtic academy player may be keen to make the north west of England his permanent home.
Everton’s wide options going into next season do look depleted as things stand, with current players Arnaut Danjuma and Jack Harrison only on loan at the club themselves from Villarreal and Leeds respectively.
That leaves Dwight McNeil as the club’s only out-and-out winger on the books going into 2024-25, and adding Dembele to the ranks would certainly give Sean Dyche’s side more of the x-factor that McNeil has provided for Everton of late.
In other Everton news, an “appalling” behind-the-scenes development has emerged on Farhad Moshiri with the 777 Partners takeover in trouble.
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