Everton’s summer of spending seems to be showing no signs of stopping, as Kevin Thelwell continues his conquest to bolster the squad.
He wants Sean Dyche to have all the necessary tools to ensure that last season remains the last one where relegation ever feels like a real possibility.
That can only be achieved by building a stronger team, but also ensuring financial stability given the severity of PSR. So, this particular transfer window marks a balancing act, ensuring that whoever comes in can perform at the requisite level instantly.
Whilst it was expected that the man to fill that role was Jaden Philogene, recent developments have seen rumours cool down on the Hull City winger.
However, a new Championship target has seemingly emerged.
Everton show interest in Watford’s Yaser Asprilla
The latest on this proposed interest comes from The Sunday People (07/07, page 58 print edition), who suggest that perhaps Yaser Asprilla might be one for Thelwell to consider.
Their piece actually states that both they and Arsenal have tracked him, and that just £15m should be enough to tempt the 20-year-old from Watford.
Given how much Jaden Philogene would cost Everton, and the reservations that remain around the tricky winger, perhaps this might mark a far smarter piece of business.
The report reads: ‘Watford have banked £10million from selling Ismael Kane to Marseille – now they could be set to make another mint.
‘That’s because Asprilla is showing huge potential with Colombia at the Copa America. An energetic attacker with great long shots, he can play both out wide or as an attacking midfielder.’
They also cite his style as an ‘explosive, skilful attacker’, which is just what Dyche will want in his new winger.
Yaser Asprilla could be an easy Jaden Philogene alternative
Given the odd behaviour of Philogene’s agent in recent weeks, combined with his reported £17m price tag, it is worth considering how much difference there really is between the Hull City winger and Asprilla.
After all, despite the former likely having a better Championship season, the Colombian international’s experience at the Copa America likely trumps anything that his alternative has ever experienced.
Putting their respective figures side by side, Philogene scored 12 and assisted a further six last season in the Championship, compared to the six goals and seven assists of the Watford man.
However, for context, it is worth noting that the Tigers finished seventh, just outside the play-off spots despite boasting a wealth of talent including high-profile loans from Liverpool, Manchester City and Sporting CP.
Meanwhile, the Hornets wallowed in 15th.
And yet, their underlying number suggests that there was not much between them, and had Asprilla been in a better side, he too might have posted such lofty figures.
After all, he did post 1.7 key passes per game to Philogene’s 1.6, and was pretty close to his 6.56 expected goals.
Meanwhile, the former Aston Villa man overperformed his 8.24 expected goals dramatically, scoring 12. Perhaps, his form might not be as sustainable as Asprilla’s, who has shone equally as much in a far worse team.
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