Everton are reportedly keeping tabs on UD Almeria forward El Bilal Toure, who is also on Fulham’s radar.
The Merseyside outfit beat the drop on the final day of last season, and they will be desperate to improve in the upcoming 2023/24 season. The Sean Dyche-managed side need reinforcements in almost all areas of the pitch—apart from the goalkeeping position—to avoid another campaign battling relegation.
According to Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Everton have told UD Almeria that they are keen to trigger El Bilal Toure’s €40million release clause—but intend to pay it over three or four instalments.
Toure, 21, scored seven goals and supplied two assists in 21 La Liga appearances as UD Almeria narrowly avoid relegation last season. He scored a crucial equaliser against Atletico Madrid and the winner against champions Barcelona.
The Mali international’s performances in Spain haven’t gone unnoticed, with many clubs following his progress. Fulham are among the clubs interested in the player, and they could make a move if Aleksandar Mitrovic departs this summer, the report adds.
El Bilal Toure to Everton—Good move?
Everton are very much prioritising attacking signings in the summer transfer window, having finished the last season as second-lowest scorers in the Premier League.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin endured another injury-hit campaign and scored only twice, while Neal Maupay failed to make an impact upon his arrival from Brighton last summer. Maupay, who only managed one goal, has been transfer-listed along with Ellis Simms, as the Toffees look to sell before investing in new players.
Everton desperately need a new striker to lead their attack next season, and El Bilal Toure appears a good fit at Goodison Park. The 21-year-old showed potential after scoring seven goals in 21 league appearances for Almeria last term, and he could take the pressure off Calvert-Lewin, whose injury concerns have left Dyche craving for reliable backup.
Toure has carved out a reputation as one of La Liga’s fastest forwards since joining Almeria from Rennes in 2022. The youngster’s pace, power and strength caused a lot of problems for defenders in La Liga, and with his qualities, he could breathe new life into the one-paced Everton attack that managed only 34 goals in 38 league games during the 2022/23 season.
More importantly, the Mali international could work well in Dyche’s system, offering more potential impact than the uninspiring Maupay. At 21, Toure is still in the developmental phase of his career and could improve different facets of his game under Dyche’s guidance if a move goes through.
For a striker who is young, exciting and dynamic with huge potential, Everton would do a smart job by triggering Toure’s €40million release clause.