Everton Football Club’s search for an ideal striker has seen significant financial investment, with £160 million poured into acquiring talent. However, a turbulent managerial history has complicated the process of establishing a reliable goal scorer.
The Impact of Managerial Changes on Striker Performance
Over the past 12 years, Everton has hired nine permanent managers. This constant change has hampered strikers’ development at the club. Notable examples illustrate this struggle.
Cenk Tosun’s Flawed Tenure
Cenk Tosun was signed in 2017 for £27 million. At the time, manager Sam Allardyce hailed him as “the best in Europe” at that price. However, a coaching shift to Marco Silva, coupled with injuries, saw Tosun score only nine goals before returning to Besiktas.
Moise Kean’s Brief Stint
Moise Kean joined Everton in 2019 following a successful season with Juventus. Despite the excitement surrounding his transfer, Kean managed only two Premier League goals during his time and returned to Italy just two years later.
Short-Term Signings Fail to Impress
The club has also pursued a series of short-term striker options without success:
- Salomon Rondon
- Joshua King
- Enner Valencia
- Armando Broja
Each of these players failed to make a significant impact, highlighting the challenges Everton faced in consistently securing talent.
Challenges with Sandro Ramirez
Another notable signing was Sandro Ramirez, who arrived from Malaga. The Barcelona academy graduate, purchased at a low cost, made only three Premier League starts across four years.
Neal Maupay’s Struggles
More recently, Neal Maupay was acquired from Brighton for an initial fee of £12 million. He scored on his second appearance but ended his season with one goal in 29 Premier League matches. This continued a trend of disappointing performances from new strikers.
Conclusion
Everton’s ambition to find an ideal striker has seen extensive financial commitment. Yet, the club’s habitual managerial upheaval has undermined many players’ potential contributions. As the search continues, the need for a stable environment will be crucial for the next striker to flourish.
