Everton backed to complete striker signing after two deals agreed – pundit
Noel Whelan has urged Everton to use their Richarlison windfall to sign a new striker capable of challenging Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested backup option Salomon Rondon, 32, isn’t the answer for Frank Lampard’s side.
Everton have lost two forwards thus far this summer, with Richarlison joining Tottenham for a reported £60million and Ellis Simms departing for Sunderland on loan.
Calvert-Lewin and Rondon managed a combined total of just six goals last term as Everton survived relegation to the Championship.
The Toffees have already completed the signings of Ruben Vinagre, Dwight McNeil and James Tarkowski this summer.
Whelan urged Everton to lighten the load on talisman Calvert-Lewin with a marquee addition this summer.
He told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “We’ve seen what happens when Calvert-Lewin isn’t fit.
“They just don’t look as potent with Rondon playing as that target man. He doesn’t offer pace in behind – he’s more of a hold-up play striker, but even then he hasn’t been that prolific.
“He’s not what they need to get themselves out of the relegation fight.
“You’d like to think that with the Richarlison money coming in, they’ll go out and get another striker that can do it in front of goal.
“They’ve got to get someone in who can help Calvert-Lewin – but also push him. They don’t want to bring someone in who is happy to sit on the bench.
“That could also allow them to play two up top. You need that quality and adaptability.”
Everton start their Premier League campaign against Chelsea on 6 August.
Rondon is out of contract at the end of the 2022-23 campaign.
In other news, pundit tells Everton to sign £17.5million Richarlison replacement “now”.