Pundit issues £10m admission on Everton deal for Blackburn striker Sammie Szmodics
Carlton Palmer believes that Everton could sign Blackburn Rovers striker Sammie Szmodics for a £10million fee this summer.
The pundit believes that Rovers are keen on cashing in on the Republic of Ireland international but are unlikely to get £20million for him.
Newspaper journalist Alan Nixon reported on Patreon on 27 April that the Toffees were eyeing a move for the 28-year-old.
Palmer told Football League World: “Will he be a starter in any team in the top flight? I could understand Luton, if they got relegated, but still, £20million is an awful lot of money for someone who is not a consistent performer at scoring goals at that high of a level.
“It’s clear that Blackburn want to cash in – they want to bring some money in. I can see him moving for about £10million, for sure, but 20 seems too much.
“I’m sure, even though Everton are looking at the situation, they won’t be looking to pay that. They let a player go to Coventry City (Ellis Simms) for £15million, and he was younger, had more ability, and had more promise than Szmodics. So I can’t see them paying £20million for someone who won’t be a guaranteed starter in the Premier League.
“£10million, yes, I can see him going for that. Birmingham City are also interested in him, but, £20million is way too much; £10million is more in the region for a player who isn’t guaranteed to hit 25 goals again in the Championship this season.”
Everton must not prioritise Szomodics transfer
A £10million deal for Szmodics could make sense for the Toffees only if they plan on selling either Beto or Lewis Dobbin to create space in the squad and potentially raise additional funds.
If Dominic Calvert-Lewin is to leave the club, Everton would need a better striker to lead the line, as the 28-year-old, despite his impressive Championship performance this season, might not be the ideal replacement due to his lack of Premier League experience and the fact that he is not a guaranteed starter in the top flight.
In this scenario, the club would need to carefully consider their strategy.
Selling one of their current forwards could provide the financial flexibility and squad space to accommodate a new signing.
However, they should also focus on identifying a striker with proven Premier League experience and a consistent goal-scoring record, as this would be crucial in ensuring the team’s attacking prowess and competitiveness in the top division.
The club’s transfer decisions should be based on a comprehensive assessment of their needs, the available options in the market and the financial implications of each potential deal as they’ve already fallen foul of the rules.
In other Everton news, an administration claim has emerged as the 777 Partners continue to botch the takeover.
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