Everton are reportedly interested in signing Schalke midfielder Weston McKennie this summer.
This comes after it was recently published in a report from Bild (via @EvertonNewsFeed) that Everton and fellow Premier League side Newcastle United are in the race to sign the 21-year-old this summer.
The centre-midfielder signed to Schalke’s youth team back in 2016 from FC Dallas.
Since then, the United States international has gone on to make 21 appearances for Schalke’s U19 team, in which he managed to score four goals and provide four assists along the way.
Since breaking into Schalke’s senior side, McKennie has made 91 appearances registering five goals and providing seven assists (per Transfermarkt).
This season, in particular, has seen the midfielder, who is currently valued at £18 million according to Transfermarkt, make a total of 32 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring three goals and providing one assist(per Transfermarkt).
McKennie’s performances in his 28 Bundesliga appearances this season have earned him a season rating of 6.78/10, making him the 10th-highest-rated performer at the club for this campaign, as per WhoScored.
Do Everton need to buy a central-midfielder this summer?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
According to WhoScored, some of Everton’s weaknesses include their inability to defend against skilful players, their inability to defend against through-ball attacks and their inability to protect a lead against their opponents.
This could make a move for McKennie a smart one, as WhoScored claims some of his strengths include his defensive contributions, his ability to block and intercept the ball from opponents and his ability to win aerial duels.
Looking at this analysis, it would appear that McKennie would be a useful fit at Goodison Park if they were to make a move for him this summer.