Everton look set to lose out in the race for Moussa Dembele’s signature this summer.
According to FootMercato, Moussa Dembele is close to securing a free transfer to Saudi Arabian side El-Ettifaq. Everton have previously shown an interest in signing the striker this summer, who is currently a free agent, having left Lyon at the end of last season.
Dembele spent five seasons with the French outfit, scoring 70 times in 172 appearances. However, his importance and form waned last season, as he only managed three goals. The 27-year-old previously played for Celtic, and won the Scottish Premiership title twice across two prolific campaigns with the Hoops. His eye for goal would have been welcome at Everton.
Moussa Dembele is a missed opportunity for Everton
Whilst the Toffees have looked to other forward options, and recently confirmed the arrival of Arnaut Danjuma as their new No. 10, Dembele would have been a smart, and cost-effective, signing.
Sean Dyche’s side were incredibly wasteful in front of goal last season, and barely avoided relegation. They need to take their chances with far greater regularity this time around. A new striker this summer is a must. Without a reliable finisher, the Merseyside outfit run a huge risk of getting caught up yet another relegation scrap, which they might not manage to escape on the final day of the season this time around.
Ex-Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers once dubbed Dembele a “natural goalscorer”, as quoted by the BBC. Everton may come to regret not having pushed harder to secure Dembele’s services, should the Frenchman end up in Saudi Arabia.