Everton failed to secure a new addition to strengthen their attacking ranks in the January transfer window despite their desperate need to improve their goal output over the second half of the season.
The Toffees are currently 18th in the Premier League table after 21 games, with the joint-lowest goal tally in the top flight so far (16).
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s constant injury concerns, alongside the exit of Richarlison last summer, has heavily contributed to the lack of chances being converted in the final third this season; and failing to replace that duo’s influential presence in front of goal could ultimately cause the club to lose their Premier League status if things don’t drastically improve in the next three months.
However, if Sean Dyche can stabilise Everton by the end of the season, it will be imperative for the powerbrokers at Goodison Park to reinvest in attack, especially after Anthony Gordon’s departure to Newcastle last month.
One player who has been linked with a move to the blue half of Merseyside since the summer is Eintracht Frankfurt ace Daichi Kamada, an attacking-minded powerhouse who could not only improve their goal threat but also join a free agent.
It has been reported this week that the Japan international is unwilling to secure his future with his current club and will become a free agent when his contract expires in the summer, with Sport 1 journalist Christopher Michel tweeting: “The rumours #Geiger and #Shkiri finally show: Kamada will not extend his contract with #SGE , Sow is also aiming for a departure. The upheaval at headquarters begins.”
Why would Everton like to sign Kamada?
Across 17 Bundesliga appearances this season, the 26-year-old has scored seven goals, registered four assists and created three big chances, surpassing the goal tally of everyone at Goodison Park.
Kamada has also averaged one key pass, 1.2 shots on goal, 51.7 touches, 1.6 tackles and 3.5 successful duels per game, proving to be a huge attacking influence who could be a valuable asset to Everton.
The Japan international has been the recipient of high praise for his performances with journalist Josh Bunting saying of one performance last August: “Daichi Kamada is a joy to watch, breaks the lines so well. Intelligent movement in and around the box and he gets goals. He’s been superb for Eintracht Frankfurt tonight, two goals and he’s been the real driving force with his movement. Incredible talent, very composed.”
Although they don’t play in the same position, with Kamada effective mostly in the attacking midfield role, Farhad Moshiri could land the dream heir to succeed Richarlison at Everton as a potent goalscorer and genuine threat to opponents that the Toffees are badly missing in the final third.
Indeed, throughout their respective careers so far, the duo post similar statistics for goal contributions (70 v 77, Kamada first), goals per 90 (0.27 to 0.3), shot on target percentage (32.1% to 32.5%) and crosses (278 each), as per FBref.
If Everton could secure the signature of Kamada for free in the summer, it would be sensational piece of business for the club and could be the difference in ensuring that they can comfortably compete in the Premier League next season rather than enduring another relegation battle.
