The story
Everton’s over-reliance on Romelu Lukaku has hindered their chances at times with the Belgian often being burdened with trying to save the Toffees from the clutches of defeat. Ronald Koeman has often spoken about signing a striker in the summer with the club owners keen on signing a young exciting striker if Lukaku stays with Everton or decides to leave. The papers have linked them with one of the hottest current properties in Spain – 21-year-old Malaga striker, Sandro Ramirez.
Sandro has been monitored by numerous clubs with the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool also interested in the striker. Both cannot guarantee him a starting role at the moment and a move to Goodison might be a good learning curve for the striker. He has a release clause of just £5.1 million as Ronald Koeman can be the decisive factor for luring the former FC Barcelona product.
Player stats
With 13 goals and 2 assists, Sandro has been Malaga’s best player and has been their saviour on numerous occasions. With three shots per game, Sandro is a brilliant goalscorer and has a knack of scoring at crucial stages.
He is their go-to man and with 0.8 dribbles per game and 1.1 key passes to his name this season. Sandro can also drop deep when required. (Courtesy: Whoscored.com)
What he’ll offer the club?
If Lukaku does move for a better-placed club than Everton, Sandro can be an astute buy and a brilliant replacement for the Belgian. He is just 21 years old and has proven himself in one of the best leagues in the world.
Everton are building a promising project under Koeman and Sandro can help the club in taking their progress to the next level. Everton being linked with some of the best young names in Europe is a testament to their progress under the former Southampton manager.
Worth the money?
At just over £5 million, the Spaniard can be a steal buy for the Toffees as he’s destined to prove it at the biggest level. If Lukaku stays, him and Sandro can form a formidable partnership up front and even if he leaves, Sandro can be an astute buy.
The Toffees though must be quick with their business and must sign the striker as early as possible with other clubs hovering over his signature.