Talking on the Royal Blue podcast, Phil Kirkbride gave a fresh update on Everton’s pursuit of a new striker and their overall transfer targets.
A question was sent into the podcast asking about what the situation is surrounding Everton-linked Joaquin Correa, who impressed last season with Lazio as they managed to secure a Europa League spot, with the Argentine netting eight league goals and earning himself a place in the Copa America-winning Argentina squad,
Will Benitez succeed at Everton?
Yes!
No!
Correa would certainly bring competition to Everton’s striker department, but considering Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the undisputed main man last season as he netted 16 league goals, it’s perhaps unlikely that he will be moved out of the starting lineup by Rafa Benitez, so Correa may have a mighty battle on his hands for a starting spot.
Kirkbride updated fans on what the situation is surrounding Correa and Everton’s general transfer targets.
“Asked about Joaquin Correa – no idea at this stage. He’s probably the 66th striker I think we’ve been linked with so far this summer.
“So, I don’t know on that one, I will ask, but I was told before the players went to America, I was told the priority was a right-back. I assume that still stands, so I think that’s at the top of the agenda.”
TIF Thoughts on Everton’s transfer plans…
If Everton are to sell Moise Kean, but only on a permanent basis, then a striker would be required to offer sufficient backup to Calvert-Lewin, however, as Kirkbride mentioned, right-back is a priority, even despite Seamus Coleman penning a new contract.
Benitez has so far managed to bring in three new faces while only spending £1.8 million so he is clearly looking to bring in the right player and not necessarily the big-name players on big wages and with Correa, he has only managed to score 48 goals in 221 appearances in both La Liga and Serie A, so he wouldn’t necessarily arrive with expectations of being prolific.