It’s no secret that Everton need to bolster their striking options this summer. It’s also no secret that the club are going to have to cast their net a bit wider to be able to compete.
The strongly tipped signing of Youssef Chermiti has given encouraging signs of a club now prepared to look to develop young, hungry players. Let’s take a look at three other exciting young strikers that would represent excellent value for the Toffees.
Jason Van Duiven (18, PSV)
A product of PSV’s formidable academy, Van Duiven made the step up from u18 football to the professional level with ease last season. The 17 year old scored 15 goals in 34 appearances for Jong PSV in the Keuken Kampionschap (the Dutch 2nd division). A league where seasoned professionals mix with young prospects, .
Such a great goal return and ability to stay injury-free in a player in his first pro season augers well for the future. Indeed, Van Duiven is hotly tipped to make his senior debut this season. Whilst he is undoutedly raw, his pace and dribbling are excellent and he posseses a real poacher’s eye. Whilst Van Duiven would be unable to make an instant impact in the Premier league, his potential is plain to see.
Gift Orban (21, Ghent)
One of the best of examples of a transfer gamble paying off in years. The young Nigerian made the step from the Norwegian 2nd tier into the Belgian Pro League in January last year and was immediately one of the players of the season. He contributed 13 goals in his first 10 appearances including 2 hat tricks.
Whilst his teamwork can sometimes be questioned, his eye for goal cannot. He is fast, strong and already linked to clubs in Italy and France. Orban ranks as one of the hottest under-the-radar talents in Europe.
Arnaud Kalimuendo (21, Rennes)
Graduating from PSG’s youth setup, Kalimeundo has really found his professional feet on loan at Lens and now permanently at Rennes. Scoring 12 Ligue 1 goals whilst on loan in 21/22 and 7 last season, his development continues apace. Able to work as an inside forward off the right, as well as a striker he also added 5 assists in 22/23.
Having left PSG to gain more playing time, Kalumneuendo has begun to cement himself into the national set-up gaining 9 caps at u21 level. The Frenchman seems to possess the strength and quality to make it in the Premier League and was courted by both Leeds and Brighton before signing for Rennes.