How Everton can sign their new Lukaku this summer

Everton fans have been dreaming of a return to European competition, but their hopes of crossing the Channel next season have been dashed.

David Moyes’ side failed to progress during the opening months of last year, and a run of seven games without a win to end the campaign dragged them into mid-table, far from the last game that felt better when Chelsea were beaten 3-0 at Hill Dickinson in March.

That was a rare display of smooth attacking football. The Toffees often failed to create enough chances in the Premier League last season, and that was at the heart of their failure to qualify for Europe.

But it’s not all doom and gloom. There was a lot to like about Everton’s stable last season, and if the Friedkin Group can make the right signings – especially in attack – then Everton could be set for even more.

Everton are keen on direct talks with the Champions League striker

Everton left a lot to be desired in attack for what felt like an unstoppable period. Last year, Thierno Barry was signed from Villarreal for £27m. It should have been the solution, but the green and wasteful striker is being chased by RB Leipzig this summer.

If Leipzig comes up with an interesting proposition, investing might not be the worst thing in the world.

According to journalist David Schill, Everton “must hold direct talks” with the agent of Bayer Leverkusen striker Christian Kofane “this week”, hoping to gain an advantage over Arsenal in the race.

Kofane, who is only 19 years old, is still in the spotlight, and while Arsenal and Newcastle United are both showing strong interest, the Blues are growing confident they can pull off a statement signing.

His agent, Eric Depolo, says he is a “£100m player”. Obviously this is a demand that Leverkusen shouldn’t make, but it shows the potential that Everton will pay for, signing a striker who could develop into the best since Romelu Lukaku.

Why Kofane could be Everton’s new Lukaku

Kofane is still young, but he came on the field with Bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga last season, scoring five goals and assisting four more despite starting just 13 games.

There’s a lot to like. Far from his best in front of goal, the Cameroonian also completed 83% of his passes and 58% of his balls. These are just stats, and shouldn’t be taken as gospel, but they show his technical command and ability to advance a game that is already polished at this early stage.

Kofane missed 11 big chances, so there is work to be done to improve his shooting ability, but he has a lot of potential, his stats from last year speak of a striker who likes to compete and have an impact on the game more than just a goal-scorer.

It would be a great thing if he could leave a legacy similar to Lukaku’s at Everton – or in the same ballpark. The Belgian is the Premier League’s all-time leading goalscorer, a formidable attack in those seasons. He left Everton for Manchester United in 2017 for an initial fee of £75m.

Lukaku, for all his qualities, has never been the most accurate striker in the world. He is still one of the most prominent names of his day, and Kofane can emulate him.

At Goodison Park, Lukaku was a force of nature, powerful and never tired in front of goal. He led a roving career, enjoying the highs and suffering the lows, but there is no doubt that he has shown real success at Everton, hailed as “one of the best strikers in the world” by Ronald Koeman.

Described as “one of the most exciting strikers in the world” by talent scout Jacek Kulig, Kofane has the potential to develop into a Lukaku-esque striker for Moyes’ Everton, physical and quick and aggressive in nature.

It should say a lot that Premier League champions Arsenal want to bring him to the Emirates. It should also say something about the project Moyes is building on Merseyside that Everton are growing more confident they can do a deal.