Everton may be enjoying a summer of spending thus far, having welcomed three faces to Goodison Park already, but there remains a looming threat about who might leave.
After all, with Jarrad Branthwaite still a prized asset, Amadou Onana having only added to his stock after Euro 2024, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s Everton contract still undecided, there are many spinning plates for Sean Dyche and Kevin Thelwell to balance.
Fortunately, this squad has been constructed as such that any outgoing would likely be swiftly replaced, such is the newfound philosophy being showcased on Merseyside.
This is no greater exemplified than through the latter of that outbound trio, who already has his alternative lined up.
Everton in talks to sign David Datro Fofana from Chelsea
This latest report comes courtesy of AfricaFoot, and it seeks to detail Everton’s interest in signing Chelsea marksman David Datro Fofana.
Having enjoyed a solid loan spell with Burnley last season, his Premier League credentials have been somewhat outlined, and now he is ready to make that next step up to establish a starting spot for a permanent side.
The report reads: ‘David Datro Fofana could change clubs again in England. Two English Premier League clubs would be interested in the Ivorian striker. West Ham and Everton are working to enlist the player into their squad.
‘In January 2023, David Datro Fofana left Molde FK to join Chelsea. The following summer, he was sent on loan to the Union Berlin side in Germany. David Datro Fofana returned to Chelsea in January 2024 in the hope of establishing himself as a major player in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad. But he was sent back on loan and this time to Burnley for the second part of the 2023/24 season.
‘David Datro Fofana returned to Chelsea this summer, however his future would not be certain among the Blues. Two English Premier League clubs would like to sign the 21-year-old Ivorian striker. West Ham would have made an offer of 15 million euros (£12m) for Chelsea to sign the player. As for Everton, they are in contact with the Ivorian’s agents to sign a deal.’
How good is David Datro Fofana?
Although the young career of Fofana has been a chequered one, laden with plenty of setbacks rather than outstanding triumphs, there is still quite clearly a top player within the youngster.
After all, the striker joined as part of this huge Chelsea revolution, with his £8m acquisition regarded as one of the few bargains made during this spell.
He was coming off the back of an impressive 15-goal haul in the Norwegian top flight, having recorded a further five assists as a teenager.
Standing at 5 foot 11, but boasting blistering speed, there is a fine physical frame to work with that blends well with his link-up play and finishing prowess.
However, tough spells with Union Berlin and recently relegated Burnley have seen him somewhat forgotten.
Not to mention that Fofana did once brand himself ‘lazy’, telling The Athletic after one fine goalscoring run at Turf Moor saw him notch four in seven: ‘I’m also lazy… sometimes, not all the time.
‘Off the pitch (I’m) lazy, but on the pitch I’m someone who works hard and (has) good vibes also with the team. I’m not shy.’
If he was to join up with Dyche, any laziness would have to be expunged.
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