Premier League club Everton have been linked with a surprising move for Atlanta United striker Josef Martinez, according to a report from El Diario. The Spanish news outlet claims that the MLS attacker has been identified as a key man as Everton look re-build their squad this summer.
The Venezuelan international is currently the top scorer in the MLS, scoring 14 goals in 17 matches with an impeccable scoring ratio of 100 minutes/goal. His incredible performances in the American top flight has helped Atlanta United dominate the league as they sit atop the table with 34 points in 17 matches.
Following a string of injuries which marred his progress, Josef Martinez is now proving he can be a lethal striker, as his scoring record suggests. The former Torino striker, therefore, can be a viable target for the Toffees as they look to get back among the English giants next season.
In fact, newly appointed Marco Silva wants to build a new squad, following last season’s disappointing performances and the addition of Josef Martinez could be a step in the right direction for the Merseyside giants.
Last season, in particular, the Toffees struggled a lot in the offensive department with the likes of Sandro Ramirez and Shani Tarashaj failing to make an impact in the English top flight. In addition, youngster Dominic-Calvert Lewin has scored only four goals despite enjoying a breakout campaign last season while Wayne Rooney faces an uncertain future at the club.
And even though Oumar Niasse and Cenk Tosun’s late cameo in the season helped Everton finish in a respectable eighth position, it’s clearly evident that the Merseysiders are in dire need some attacking reinforcements this summer.
Although the interest in Josef Martinez might seem bizarre on a certain level, it actually makes sense for Everton considering the fact that the Venezuelan striker has found astounding success after moving to Atlanta United in 2017. Highly known for scoring prowess, Martinez has already proven himself in the ever-growing MLS this season and if he manages to continue this form in the English top flight, he can prove to be a great asset for the club in the coming years.
Furthermore, at the age of just 25, Josef Martinez is in his prime and would cost much less than strikers with a similar scoring record in Europe. But that being said, moves from MLS to the Premier League have been much rare and Josef Martinez will definitely have to buck this trend if he is to find success in the high-paced nature of the Premier League.
Stats Courtesy: Wikipedia
