Former Manchester City striker, Kelechi Promise Iheanacho, has emerged as a transfer target for Sean Dyche's Everton after the Merseysiders secured safety in the English Premier League for another season, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Toffees have scored 39 Premier League goals from 37 games this season, just four above Sheffield United who have scored the least goals amongst the English top-flight teams this season, highlighting Everton's woefulness in front of goal.
Iheanacho, on the other hand, is third in the pecking order at Leicester under Enzo Maresca, with Jamie Vardy and Patson Daka the preferred choice for the Italian manager.
The Super Eagles forward scored five goals in ten starts for the Foxes in the EFL Championships, helping them secure promotion back to the English Premier League.
🚨 Everton are interested in signing Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho, who will become a free agent this summer.
(Source: Football Insider) pic.twitter.com/l6vYklTRJE
— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) May 12, 2024
Everton's interest in Kelechi Iheanacho
Soccernet.ng earlier reported that Iheanacho rejected a new contract offer from Leicester City, signalling that his time at the King Power Stadium will end. During the Championship trophy presentation, the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup winner wore a t-shirt with the slogan; “We’ve got history. When I’m gone, you gon’ miss me.”
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace have reportedly been interested in the 27-year-old who will be a free agent at the end of the season.
Everton’s former CEO, Keith Wyness, has opened up on the discussions within the hierarchy at Goodison Park, revealing that the Nigerian striker is a target for Sean Dyche's team.
Speaking on the Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 spoke on Iheanacho's situation with Leicester City.
“There will have been discussions about his future behind the scenes and both sides may be close. He could be trying to put fan pressure on the board. All these little things aren’t a coincidence, there is usually something going on behind the scenes. I think he can do a big job for Premier League sides. I know Everton have been interested in him, and he’s got the ability to get a good move in the Premier League,” Wyness said as per Football Insider.
How does Iheanacho compare to Beto and Dominik Calvert-Lewin this season?
This season, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Calvert-Lewin are Everton's Premier League top goalscorers with seven. Beto is third with three goals.
Calvert-Lewin scored seven goals from 31 games, while Beto has scored three from 29 games. Iheanacho scored five from ten starts with Leicester, averaging a goal every two games, and is more clinical than the two Everton strikers combined.
Should Kelechi Iheanacho move to Everton?
While the assurance of playing time might be guaranteed if the Super Eagles forward moves to Merseyside, it won't be advisable.
Sean Dyche's tactical approach is the conventional aerial duel style. The former Burnley manager has always employed strikers with strong ability in the air, and that is not Iheanacho's strength. From 95 career goals, Iheanacho has scored just eight headers.
Additionally, with Aston Villa playing in the UEFA Champions League, alongside the “pass and move” tactic employed by Unai Emery, a move to Villa Park will suit the strengths of the Nigerian. However, he'd have to give up a sizeable amount of playing time, with Ollie Watkins remaining as the team's first-choice striker.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the striker who must thoroughly consider the offers on his table alongside the pros and cons of the offers as the transfer window approaches.
With the number of talented strikers who are banging in goals consistently in top European leagues, Seniorman's next move will be very integral to his place in the Super Eagles team as the 2025 AFCON tournament beckons.
