Opinion

Everton target could be a cult hero, he has a bit of Duncan Ferguson and Bolasie about him

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Everton are seeking to bolster their squad with the new Premier League season now just one month away – and the latest target Jonathan Rowe could be quite the addition.

The Toffees haven’t been up to much in the transfer window in the past couple of weeks.

After signing Hayden Hackney and then turning Tyrique George and Merlin Rohl into permanent players, Everton have had a bit of a lull.

If you were Angus Kinnear who would you be going all out for this summer? 💰

Ivan Toney of Al Ahli celebrates after scoring the 2nd goal during the Saudi Pro League match between Al Ahli and Al Nassr. John Stones of Manchester City during the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Manchester City and Salford City. Troy Parrott of AZ Alkmaar celebrates after scoring his teams third goal during the Dutch Eredivsie match between AZ Alkmaar and sc Heerenveen.
Credit: Getty Images/Yasser Bakhsh/Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Ed van de Pol/BSR Agency.

Fans are urging the club to get busy, with pre-season now underway.

And on Wednesday, it was reported that Everton have made enquiries about Bologna winger Jonathan Rowe.

And there’s every chance he could be a real crowd favourite if he signed.

Why Jonathan Rowe could be a real hit with Everton fans

Jonathan Rowe playing for Bologna.
Photo by Davide Casentini/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Everton pleased fans with the permanent signing of George, because he’s someone who has pace and unpredictability.

And Rowe is a little bit the same, meaning he has the ability to get fans out of their chairs.

Rowe has previously talked about his desire to beat players one-on-one, and during his time at Norwich City, said: “I’m really, like, a flair-y type of player. I’m really out there.

“When I play, you’ll know I’m on the pitch. It’s more like, I’m not really a simple type of player. I like to take risks for the team and create something from nothing.”

Flair is something former Everton winger Yannick Bolasie had in abundance.

Sadly, his time at Everton was wrecked by injury. But across his 32 appearances for the club, and also from his time at Crystal Palace, it was clear to see that Bolasie loved a trick and was not ‘a simple type of player’ like Rowe.

But Rowe could also be similar to another former Everton player; Duncan Ferguson.

Ferguson was known for having a bit of needle to him, picking up 36 yellow cards and six reds in an Everton shirt.

Rowe can also be hot-headed. In a recent friendly against Arminia Bielefeld, he received a red card after he reacted to a late challenge on him. After seemingly being caught in the face, he charged over to his opponent and barged him over.

A couple of minutes earlier, Rowe had produced a late challenge on the same player, so it was seemingly an act of retribution.

Rowe was also involved in a fracas at Marseille last summer.

Following their 1-0 defeat to Rennes in the Ligue 1, he and Adrien Rabiot had a fight. Punches were thrown and security had to step in. Both players were then sold. Rowe has since expressed his regret about the incident and later insisted he acted in retaliation.

Duncan Ferguson playing for Everton.
22 Aug 2000: Duncan Ferguson of Everton celebrates scoring his comeback goal during the FA Carling Premiership match against Charlton Athletic at Goodison Park, in Liverpool, England. Everton won the match 3-0. Mandatory Credit: Gary M Prior/Allsport

Down the years, Everton have picked up players who have a bit of needle.

Ferguson was one, then there were the likes of Thomas Gravesen, Wayne Rooney and Marouane Fellaini.

All of these players ended up endearing themselves to the Evertonians and Rowe, if signed, may well go the same way.