Everton are reportedly keen on signing out-of-favour Manchester United winger Anthony Elanga.
The Sweden international, 21, is among a number of high-profile stars who could leave Old Trafford this summer, as Erik ten Hag shapes his squad for the upcoming 2023/24 campaign. With Ten Hag keen on adding a centre-forward as well as a winger—if finances permit—the youngster is likely to fall further down the attacking pecking order. Therefore, his departure from the club is a huge possibility.
According to French outlet Foot Mercato, Everton have revived their interest in Anthony Elanga after failing to sign him during the January transfer window, as Ten Hag and the decision-makers of Manchester United were reluctant to sell him.
Elanga enjoyed his breakthrough campaign during 2021/22 where he bagged three goals and as many assists in 27 appearances. However, he found it difficult to get game time last season due to strong competition in attack, managing only 25 appearances across all formats—most of those from the bench.
A host of clubs have already been linked to Elanga. Everton are admirers of the Swedish winger and are prepared to “attack” in order to land him, the report adds.
Anthony Elanga to Everton—Should they make a move?
Everton boss Sean Dyche is keen to bolster his attacking options in this summer transfer window after watching his side struggle for goals last season. The Toffees avoided relegation on the final day of the season as they managed only 34 goals in 38 Premier League games—the second-fewest in the entire division.
If they are to avoid a third successive season battling against relegation, the influx of quality additions are an absolute must—especially in the forward line. As a result, Sean Dyche is on the lookout for players who can improve the potency of Everton’s attack, and he seems to have set his sights on Manchester United’s Anthony Elanga.
Since breaking into the senior Man United team in 2020, Elanga has made 55 appearances across all competitions, scoring four goals and registering four assists in the process. The Swedish winger, who can also play as a striker, has been touted to become a top player but, with the arrival of players such as Jadon Sancho and Antony, as well as the emergence of Alejandro Garnacho from the youth ranks, Elanga has found game time difficult to come by.
So, a move to Everton makes complete sense as it would allow him to get regular minutes and develop his game under Dyche. The Toffees, in return, would get a young, hungry, hardworking and tenacious player who could provide a much-needed spark in the final third next season. The 12-cap Sweden international is still 21, so he has a lot of room for improvement and the Merseyside outfit could reap the benefits in the future by investing in him now.
Thus, with Elanga keen to leave Man United this summer, Everton must go all out for his signature as they look to avoid another relegation battle.
