Everton looking to finalise Tosun deal

Thursday, 28 December, 2017 135comments  |  Jump to most recent

Everton could finally be adding to their under-staffed forward line with the acquisition of German-born Turkish striker Cenk Tosun.

According to The Guardian, the club have agreed a £25m fee with Besiktas for the 26-year-old while The Times claim that the Blues have offered him a contract and are negotiating a deal worth £20m in the hope that he would complete his move when the transfer window opens in the coming days.

Sources in Turkey, meanwhile, are suggesting that Tosun has already agreed terms on a four-and-a-half-year deal with Everton at Finch Farm which would suggest that the only thing standing in the way of the transfer is final agreement with Besiktas.

He was in action for Besiktas this evening, scoring against Osmanlıspor in a 4-1 win which the Turkish Football website was billing as his farewell game before he signs for Everton. It certainly looked that way as he appeared to bid farewell to the fans after being taken off in the second half and then again at the final whistle.

If true, it would represent victory for the Blues in a battle with Crystal Palace for his signature. Sam Allardyce is said to have recommended Tosun to the Eagles' hierarchy when he was manager there last season and seems to have had the same advice for Steve Walsh at Goodison.

Tosun has scored eight times in the Turkish league this season, the same number as former Blues forward Arouna Kone has managed for Sivasspor, while also adding four more in six Champions League fixtures.

One of them, a 30-yard rocket against FC Porto, was named goal of the group stages:

 

Reader Comments (135)

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Peter Warren
1 Posted 28/12/2017 at 08:00:13
Bit worrying when Kone has scored the same amount of goals!
Paul Smith
2 Posted 28/12/2017 at 08:11:08
Romelu's replacement.
Derek Knox
3 Posted 28/12/2017 at 08:13:43
Any new signing invokes expectation, but sometimes ends in disappointment, we have had a few recently in Sandro, Klaassen , Schneiderlin and Martina. Let's hope this guy isn't one of them.

The only thing that gives me hope with this player, is that Chelsea were apparently interested, or was that just journo speculation?

We so need a striker, and one who has to hit the ground running. I don't know whether he is a Walsh recommended signing or what, but let's hope he is as good as the YouTube videos made him look.

Colin Glassar
4 Posted 28/12/2017 at 08:29:31
I hope he’s not another (4 month wonder) Jelavic.
Tony Everan
5 Posted 28/12/2017 at 08:30:10
Tosun has it all to prove. It will be tougher for him here but his Champions League experience will stand him in good stead.

He's scored 13 in 23 in the Turkish and Champions league but it will be harder here. I can't help thinking that Oumar would probably have similar stats playing for Besiktas in Turkey. As Lyndon says, Arouna Kone has similar league goal stats.

On a positive note, these days £20-25m is not a great gamble however, and it could pay off. Walsh must think so.

Chris Gould
6 Posted 28/12/2017 at 08:50:25
Derek, I don't think Martina deserves to be on your list of signings that evoked expectations but turned out to be disappointing. He's been the complete opposite for me. I was very underwhelmed when we signed him, almost everyone was.

But I have nothing but admiration for the lad now. He plays out of position and looks very awkward, but he hasn't let us down once during our unbeaten run of 8 games. He will never be a first choice full back for us, but I think he's proven a capable reserve who can come in and cover for injuries on either side. Considering he was free, I think he's shown to be a worthwhile acquisition.

This Tosun fella is a gamble but let's hope we get lucky. A proven Premier League striker going into their prime will cost double this reported fee, so he's probably worth a punt.

Ian Horan
7 Posted 28/12/2017 at 09:07:09
We should try for Welbeck at Arsenal; he has 18 months left on his contract. Proven Premier League standard... plays across the line, pacy, and works for the team.
Andrew Ellams
8 Posted 28/12/2017 at 09:23:09
Ian Horan, the problem with Welbeck is that I can't remember a season where he didn't have a fairly lengthy injury layoff. Not sure he's the physical presence our team needs either.
Chris Gould
9 Posted 28/12/2017 at 09:29:34
It's being reported (rags and dubious websites) that he had a medical at Finch Farm yesterday. It's also being reported in his homeland that he has agreed terms. This one certainly seems to have substance to it.

This is all the more interesting because he isn't an Allardyce type target man. It suggests that we aren't going to be playing hoofball, hopefully.

Phil Head
10 Posted 28/12/2017 at 09:32:38
It's an incredible signing if true, the guy looks class, just can't believe he'd even be interested in coming to us at this point of the season, or at all to be fair. When you consider that Besiktas have been one of the most impressive teams and him one of the most impressive players in the Champions League this season and with the latter stages of the competition to look forward too? I personally think he needs his head feeling but certainly ain't gonna complain.

From what I've seen of him, he has a great touch, intelligent movement and is a brilliant finisher on the floor and in the air. He won't unfortunately rectify the lack of pace in the final third, as he doesn't have much himself, so a wide player with pace is essential to get the best out of him and others.

The reason his goal tally doesn't seem that impressive, is because he's been playing behind Aboubacar, who is Besiktas's Number 9 and is in a team that plays with such fluidity, with the front 5 players interchanging positions constantly and all chipping in with goals and assists. I do think he's more than capable of playing the No 9 role, but like I say, he needs pace around him and other intelligent players, to allow him to be more of a threat in the box rather than in deeper positions.

Kevin Gillen
11 Posted 28/12/2017 at 09:34:31
The price of Turkey goes up every year.
Amit Vithlani
12 Posted 28/12/2017 at 09:39:35
The Turkish league is an inferior league. However Besiktas have a good pedigree and he has done well in the Champions League so there is hope. However, as other have noted, Sandro and Klaassen came with good pedigrees and have not been able to adjust. This lad will therefore probably need to be given the time.

I was hoping we could land someone with goalscoring Premier League experience, eg, Giroud or Dzeko.

This acquisition may need us to still use Calvert-Lewin whilst Tosun adapts.

Nigel Munford
14 Posted 28/12/2017 at 09:54:50
Amit, I'd hope we still use Calvert-Lewin. We can't get a new striker in and send him back to the U23s.
Gordon White
15 Posted 28/12/2017 at 10:04:16
At least he has the physicality. Ramirez and Klaassen look like ballet dancers on the pitch. Where we are right now, we have to take a chance on players like this and hope.

I can't imagine the likes of Pierre Aubameyang wanting to come here, unless they're paid silly money. And Moshiri doesn't strike me as that kind of owner.

Kevin Tully
16 Posted 28/12/2017 at 10:26:46
Give the club their due on this one, all reports saying he'll be here for 1 January. Good work by the transfer committee if true; after the drawn out transfer sagas of the past 12 months, it looks as if lessons have been learnt.

Nobody can say how this will work out, but the law of averages say we have to make one great signing shortly, hopefully it's this lad. Good luck, Cenk!

Ray Roche
17 Posted 28/12/2017 at 10:28:29
Funny, a few days ago the fee was £18m, then £20m and now £25m. This is inflation at Zimbabwean rates, circa 2008. (79.6 billion percent in mid-November)

Laughable.

Andrew Ellams
18 Posted 28/12/2017 at 10:31:38
Ray, those numbers are all media speculation.
Paul A Smith
19 Posted 28/12/2017 at 10:46:09
We have to do something in this window. We can't keep throwing 90-minute pressure at Calvert-Lewin.

If Tosun is the best of what we are looking at, then Tosun is welcome. And why not? He is scoring goals and in his prime years. If there is ever a good time to sign him, it's now.

John Keating
20 Posted 28/12/2017 at 10:47:03
Kevin 14 agree.

It's not as if we haven't known what we need and, if, we are going to sign anyone in January you would expect everything already in place to get the people in asap.

Hopefully we don't just buy anyone just for the sake of it.

Ajay Gopal
21 Posted 28/12/2017 at 10:49:26
My ins/Outs list for January (some are based on gathering rumours, some are fantasy)

Buys:
Tosun (Striker)
Nzonzi (MF)
Kurzawa (PSG, French national team left-back, might be a sold in January reportedly)

Outs:
Mirallas
Besic
Barkley (I am increasingly resigned to his departure, although would love him to stay)

Send on Loan:
Sandro, Klaassen and Vlasic to Premier League teams until end of season to teams struggling to stay up. For example, Vlasic might flourish under Howe in Bournemouth, Klaassen to Southampton, Sandro to Brighton, Stoke or Burnley. Let them get valuable game time and then Sam Allardyce can decide if they can hack it at Everton.

I would also send out Lookman to a Championship team until the end of the season to fine-tune his skills.

Team in January (4-3-3):

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Williams Kurzawa
Gueye Rooney Nzonzi
Bolasie Tosun Sigurdsson

Backups:

Robles
Martina, Keane, Jagielka, Baines
Schneiderlin, Davies, McCarthy, Baningime
Lennon, Niasse, Calvert-Lewin.


Jason Wilkinson
22 Posted 28/12/2017 at 11:17:28
Apart from YouTube clips, I hadn't heard of this lad from Turkey. He looks a decent footballer but so did Davy Klaassen.

What do we need in January? A left back would be a priority for me. Whether we get Garbutt, The lad we sent to Sunderland (name escapes me) or we buy in I'm not fussed. Someone to hold the ball up. We need to be able to bring our more creative players into the game in our opponents half.

What we don't need anymore:

Schneiderlin, Mirallas, Sandro, Klaassen, Barkley, Robles, McCarthy, Besic, Jagielka, Stekelenburg and Henen.

Please feel free to make a case for any of the above.

Brian Wilkinson
23 Posted 28/12/2017 at 11:21:26
I expect this to be one of two strikers we sign in January, we can now look to get in the second forward, without panicking or being over quoted. What it also does is buy the club that little bit of extra time to get the second striker right without rushing in like headless chickens,

From all accounts, Tosun is a good all round centre forward. The million dollar question, can he cut it in the Premier League? Only time will tell, but for now an area sorted where we have been threadbare, and gives an added option to our game style, especially with Bolasie making progress.

Brian Wilkinson
24 Posted 28/12/2017 at 11:26:10
Would also add to Chris Gould re Martina, could not agree more. He's a player playing out of position has for me done a decent job when called upon, gets a lot of stick but has always given 100%. It's not easy playing left back, when you're a natural right back... fair play to the guy.
John G Davies
25 Posted 28/12/2017 at 11:39:53
Talking of transfers... Brian Reade in the Mirror this morning:

"But for a footballing institution that refers to itself as “more than a club” to be openly tapping up players the way Barcelona did with Philippe Coutinho and Antoine Griezman was truly ugly."

From a fan of a club who were warned off for "openly tapping up" Van Dijk.

Ray Roche
26 Posted 28/12/2017 at 11:44:16
Andrew Ellams (#16),

Yes, Andrew, I was just pointing out how ridiculous all these figures that are being thrown about are but if you hear that figure often enough it becomes "fact".

John Hammond
27 Posted 28/12/2017 at 11:47:15
Any signing is a gamble whether they have Premier League experience or not. He'll be coming into a team with their confidence up. Compare that to Sandro and Klaassen when we weren't playing well and it got worse from there.
Graham Coldron
28 Posted 28/12/2017 at 11:50:55
By the law of averages we are due a good signing and this new fellah might be a fairly useful. Hopefully the deal will go through smoothly with no late bids from other clubs, eg, West Ham, Spurs etc. Whilst I am still getting my head around the fact that Sam Allardyce is our manager, something tells me he will not stand for any dithering in buying players which we have made into something of an art form recently.

A left back is also needed.

Steven Jones
29 Posted 28/12/2017 at 11:51:13
Note that Tosun is German youth/academy product and moved to Turkey from Eintracht Frankfurt – had to play in new country and build a career. Besiktas was a step up from another Turkish team and he has proven he has that mentality, strong and workman like in addition to his skills, ability, goal scoring.

As some have said, one of these signings has to come off.

Paul Tran
30 Posted 28/12/2017 at 11:58:09
You can throw all the stats and YouTube clips you like, No point judging this guy until he's playing in our shirt.

One thing's for sure, at least he'll start in a team that's organised and knows what it's doing, unlike the poor souls we signed in the summer.

Chris Clark
31 Posted 28/12/2017 at 12:16:22
Underwhelmed but I am hoping that he will turn out good. We have to accept at the moment we can only attract a certain sort of player. Still need a left-back, central midfielder and a centre-back.
Geoff Lambert
32 Posted 28/12/2017 at 12:24:42
Paul Tran
Spot on mate, we must give him a chance and see what he can do.
Mike Gaynes
33 Posted 28/12/2017 at 12:26:47
As Kevin #14 says, the best thing about this transaction is how quickly and decisively the club has moved -- no drama. We still have no real attacking system, so I'm controlling my expectations, but Tosun's head does give Sigurdsson a target for his crosses at last.

Jason #20, I'm not yet ready to give up on Sandro. He's only 22, averaged 1 in 2 in La Liga and has stepped into a chaotic situation up front for us. Both of the goals he has scored for us were quality. And his price tag was small. I'd give him another year.

And unless you think Pickford is invulnerable to injury, we also do need to keep one of the two backup keepers.

Alasdair Mackay
34 Posted 28/12/2017 at 12:49:05
In Kone's defence, he always scored goals for us and was very unlucky with the timing of the injury shortly after he arrived.

Also, £20m today is the equivalent of £6m 5 years ago, so it is going to be something of a gamble at that price. If we wanted a guy with Prem experience at the right age etc, we would be paying something closer to £70m for him.

If this guy works out and Sandro fetches £15m from someone (assuming we are giving up on him, which I am not ready to do) it equates to a net of £10m spent so far in search of replacement for Lukaku – peanuts by today's standards.

Frank Crewe
35 Posted 28/12/2017 at 12:55:22
If he does for us what Salah is doing for the RS I'll be more than happy. But for that to happen we will have to get players forward to support him if Sam intends to use him as a lone striker like Calvert-Lewin.
James Flynn
36 Posted 28/12/2017 at 13:16:20
If Garbutt is actually a consideration, better to me we keep going with Martina until we can sign a proper replacement for Baines.

The guy's been around for 8-9 years now. He's in the U-23s because he couldn't even cut it out on loan. At a certain point, he's 24-years old now, the player needs to be moved off the payroll and let's give another guy the chance.

Tony Abrahams
37 Posted 28/12/2017 at 13:18:28
Like most, I know nothing about Tosun, but he's a player Allardyce has apparently had his eye on for a while.

I though Sandro was poor against Chelsea but, like Klaassen, I'm not going to give up on either of those two just yet for the reasons given by Paul Tran.

Good luck, Cenk, I'm hoping you score one on your debut, and two at our arl ground, next week!

Michael Williams
38 Posted 28/12/2017 at 13:23:13
I am not getting my hopes up at all. I hope I am very, very, wrong about the way I feel about this acquisition which is more than let down.

Turkish Lig stats: Eight goals in 1153 minutes played. That is one goal every 144 minutes. Plus only one assist. One might think he should do better as he is playing for one of the top top teams in his league.

Three of his league goals were penalties which means he only has five goals from open play in 1153 minutes. To be fair he was the person fouled twice that resulted in penalties.

Champions League stats: Four goals in 469 minutes = 1 goal every 117 minutes. A bit better. One was a successful penalty he did not create.

Tosun was Man of the Match once in the Turkish Lig - same as Niasse in the Premier League.

Niasse: 5 goals in 454 Premier League minutes = One goal every 94 minutes. Not saying Niasse is better, stats are just for comparison.

Tosun should immediately become our penalty taker – excellent record. That's something.

Brian Wilkinson
39 Posted 28/12/2017 at 13:53:48
I would not be surprised with Costa going to Madrid that we go for Kevin Gimiero firstly on loan to add to our forward line.
Pat Kelly
40 Posted 28/12/2017 at 14:00:25
Are we shopping in TK Maxx now? Probably not much point buying a striker anyway while we park the bus and average one shot on target every 3 hours.
Soren Moyer
41 Posted 28/12/2017 at 14:09:35
We need a centre-back, maybe Ben Gibson, a left-back, and a box-to-box powerful midfielder, Nzonzi. Get rid of the dead wood, ie, Besic, Klaassen, Mirallas, Schneiderlin, McCarthy and Barkley (if he wants to leave).
Andrew Ellams
42 Posted 28/12/2017 at 14:09:42
Michael Williams a goal every 144 minutes equals 24 goals in a full Premier League season. Not a bad return for £25 million if that was the case.
Sean Patton
43 Posted 28/12/2017 at 14:21:32
Derek

I wouldn't be swayed by rumours that Chelsea are interested as they were also interested in Niasse.

Michael

That's a good breakdown and it might be better just sticking with Oumar – at least we know he will score provided he gets enough minutes.

Michael Williams
44 Posted 28/12/2017 at 14:22:24
Andrew (#41) – Tosun's goal per 144 minutes is in the Turkish league. I certainly hope that rate transfers to the Premier League. That would be a tremendous buy.
Sam Hoare
45 Posted 28/12/2017 at 14:23:36
I have seen Cenk play a bit. He's not very fast. He's not very skilful. He's not super strong or fantastic in the air. He's not a deadly finisher though he can certainly strike a ball.

At best, he's our Alan Shearer. At worst, he's another James Beattie.

One thing that will endear him to the Toffee faithful is his work rate. A few years ago, Besiktas bought him for peanuts to be their third choice striker. Since then he has worked his proverbials off to see off the like of Mario Gomez and Vincent Aboubaker.

He has scored goals in derbies, Champions League and Europa League; his scoring record over last 1½ seasons is pretty useful.

He's more Calvert-Lewin than Mesut Ozil but has more experience and know-how than the youngster.

I can't say this signing would excite me massively but I can see the sense in it and if he's able to adjust could prove a wise move. His work rate and willingness to keep learning will help ensure he doesn't let anyone down and if he can bring the goals to join the blood and sweat maybe he'll become a Goodison hero!

John Mckay
46 Posted 28/12/2017 at 14:38:26
Tosun.

I think he'll have a bright future with us and I for one can't wait for him to shine!

I'll get my coat....

Barry Williams
47 Posted 28/12/2017 at 15:26:43
We need a striker no doubt, even just for squad depth. However, I'd like to see Niasse given a proper run of games.
Brian Williams
48 Posted 28/12/2017 at 15:34:41
Don Hutchison, our ex-player, rates Tosun very highly and reckons he'd be a great signing for us. Said he recommends him to every manager he speaks to!
Paul Kennedy
49 Posted 28/12/2017 at 15:35:21
I think it is very important not to let our hearts rule judgement. Niasse did pull us out of a few holes. He is great back-up and a willing 100% performer when given the chance... But is he really good enough to be a main striker? No, I am sorry to say.

Let's use the breathing space Big Sam (again I was aghast at the thought of him at the club) has given us – use it wisely to get rid of half-hearted players and get some real passion players.

How come, when we spend £25-30 million, we get lame ducks? Liverpool, Man City etc seem to find real gems for the same money.

Chris Corn
50 Posted 28/12/2017 at 15:43:48
Barry (#46), I have every respect for Niasse for the way he has overcome adversity but I would say he is an impact sub player at best. He has looked lost in most games he has started and at times he seems to struggle with basic technique.

There was a point at the end of the West Brom game when we defended a corner and it fell to him on the edge of the box. He simply controlled it about 15 yards ahead of him to an opposition player and put us right under pressure again. He also had a chance to break when a ball bounced and he got it hopelessly wrong.

A great lad and good for throwing on and upsetting the opposition and grabbing a goal... but as a regular Premier League striker, I think he is miles away.

Tom Bowers
51 Posted 28/12/2017 at 15:49:18
God knows we need someone after what we have witnessed this season. Only Rooney really has an eye for goal but how many games can he play?

All the others are not really up to snuff except maybe Gylfi who may only grab one now and again.

If this fella can come in and do well with Bolasie then we could have a better second half of the season attacking wise.

Ray Roche
52 Posted 28/12/2017 at 15:56:27
Paul (#48),

I don't regard Calvert-Lewin, Holgate, Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, Rooney, Gueye and Lennon as lame ducks. Nor do I think Lookman falls into that category.

Okay, we've had our share of bums but we've had as good a squad of low price bargains over the years since Moyes arrived as any club and we'll have to be patient to see if any of the young signings Walsh has brought in are up to the mark. Look at the dross that the Shite have bought, found out that they were crap, and sold them on.

It's easy to target Niasse or one or two others but let's be fair, we've unearthed some beauts over the past few years.

John Smith
53 Posted 28/12/2017 at 15:56:44
LOL a toffy has edited his wikipage

https://imgur.com/a/55OZ6

John Smith
54 Posted 28/12/2017 at 15:57:02
Paul Birmingham
55 Posted 28/12/2017 at 15:58:39
Let's hope this lad is ready to step up and is match fit for the RS.. I don't know enough about him but the best of luck and hopefully this inspire the team for a good performance at Bournemouth.
Brian Harrison
56 Posted 28/12/2017 at 16:27:31
I read a tweet from Don Hutchinson saying I hope Everton sign Cenk Tosun says he has recommended him to every manager he has spoken too. He goes on to say Wow what a player. When Tosun played for Turkey last Summer against England Alan Shearer commented he reminds me of myself when I was younger.

People who know him say he is terrifically hard working both on the pitch and on the training ground. They also say his improvement in the last 12 months has been astonishing. He has also proved himself in the Champions League games with 4 goals and 2 assists against Monaco and Porto. Also is good at holding the ball up and is two-footed, what's not to like?

Mark Riding
57 Posted 28/12/2017 at 16:36:32
He's about to play in a Turkish Cup game.

Bit odd if he's coming here immediately?

Soren Moyer
58 Posted 28/12/2017 at 16:45:15
According to a few news outlets, Dembele is available for £18-20 mil.
Jason Wilkinson
59 Posted 28/12/2017 at 16:46:12
Mike (#32) Sandro has been here for six months. If he was any good surely he would be at least coming off the bench for 20 mins. I agree it's early to give up on the lads career but I just can't see him cutting the mustard.

As you state we need a keeper on the bench in case Pickford gets injured but who? We have tried Stekelenburg and Robles and neither look good enough.

Take a look at Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd, etc. They have much better 2nd choice keepers. If we have the ambition to break the current stranglehold, we need to improve the quality of the squad – not just the 1st eleven.

Rahman Talib
60 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:05:00
I dunno about the dude. I know all average European league regulars will take time to adapt to the Premier League. Sandro and Klaassen would be gems next season.

I have more faith in Niasse then this dude. I say lets give Klaassen and Sandro another try.

Rahman Talib
61 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:07:28
We also need a left sided winger.

Dont know why we have to by Nzozi?

Havent we had enough DM already?

We need an LB but either we buy locally or we give Garbutt a chance.

We gave Jonjoe a chance and look how it repaid us.

I trust our home grown talents then these European gambles

Mark Riding
62 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:11:23
Rahman, soz mate, but Klassen and Sandro are utter gash. Awful, awful signings, but at least we should get our money back on Sandro and take a £10m hit on Klassen.
Tony Hill
63 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:16:44
According to the Echo we have still not agreed a fee. The absurd mess of the last window (and of so many previous windows) cannot be repeated. Walsh is supposed to be in charge and must force things through. His judgement must be backed, otherwise he’s a waste of a very high salary. The same must apply in the summer.

If we fuck up the next two windows then in my view we will have missed our chance probably once and for all. Moshiri now needs to show whether he’s serious about transforming Everton and has 7 months in which to do so.

Mark Riding
64 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:20:10
Tony (#63). He is literally playing for Besiktas in 10 mins in a cup game. No way this deal is imminent.
John Malone
65 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:21:28
Rahman, lay off the spice mate!

Sandro makes less impact than Arouna Kone and Davy Klaassen can't even get in the squad they both are both shite!!

If we sign this Tosun he has got to be given a chance. To say you trust Niasse more who has only just got into the first team squad is ludicrous. Just by looking at Tosun's clips on YouTube, you can see he can strike a ball well with both feet and can play a bit too!!

Lay off whatever it you are smoking pal!

Mark Riding
66 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:30:25
http://www.a2tv.com.tr/webtv/canli-yayin
Dermot Byrne
67 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:30:36
Has Everton said anything about this player? Is that too outrageous to ask?!
Mark Riding
68 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:31:18
Link to the live game, watch him yourselves.
Lee Jackson
69 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:46:11
Wish people wouldn't keep saying that Klaassen and Sandro are crap/gash/shite. They are obviously very, very good players. You don't go through the youth set up at Barca and then go on to play for them if you are 'gash'. You don't score double figures in a poor Spanish side if you are 'shite'. Same can be said about Klaassen, he was the glue in a very attractive, free-flowing, attacking side last season. He has not suddenly become a shit player.

A more accurate comment regarding both would be 'unsuited to the English game'. No crime in that. I recall Diego Forlan being mediocre over here and then turning into one of the top forwards in Europe when Man Utd sold him. I don't follow European football that closely but I'm sure there are many many others – Per Krøldrup springs to mind for us.

I do think both may be better of spending the next few months at loan at a side they would get games in - thinking maybe Swansea, Bournemouth or upper half of the championship. I believe both players need a good run of games and then we can decide their futures next summer. Give them a chance to show they can adapt to our football.

As for Tosun – he cant sign for us until Monday and wont be eligible for us until Tuesday at the earliest so I don't see him playing for Besiktas tonight as anything other than he's 'their player' so why wouldn't they play him.

Lee Jackson
70 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:47:59
turkish-football.com say this about Tosun playing tonight:

The Turkish international does not usually start cup games but will be given a send off in front of the fans at the Vodafone Park Stadium.

John G Davies
71 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:50:36
Cue injury.
Terence Tyler
72 Posted 28/12/2017 at 17:52:11
1-0 OG
Geoff Lambert
73 Posted 28/12/2017 at 18:39:22
He has just scored.

First time, left foot under the oncoming keeper.

Mark Riding
74 Posted 28/12/2017 at 18:50:24
Scored. Subbed. Nice wave goodbye. Welcome to Everton.
David McMullen
75 Posted 28/12/2017 at 19:00:41
Don't know anything about him myself but some goal that on the link. Need to get rid of Sandro he's done diddly every time I've seen him turn out for us.
Matthew Williams
76 Posted 28/12/2017 at 19:19:23
Just scored again for Besiktas... 3-1 up at half-time.
Jon Withey
77 Posted 28/12/2017 at 19:20:05
Crazy writing off Sandro – especially as he is basically a pretty raw youngster. Klaassen is only going to be useful in and around the box and we don't play that way currently so not sure what use he is.
Lee Jackson
78 Posted 28/12/2017 at 19:37:02
Cenks goal tonight - must be said that Osmanospor were dreadful defensively all game but he took the goal well enough.

http://www.talkingbaws.com/2017/12/video-everton-target-cenk-tosun-scores-last-besiktas-appearance/

Kevin Tully
79 Posted 28/12/2017 at 20:45:18
His manager has wished him well at Everton, so it looks like a done deal. I doubt Sam Allardyce has ever had £25m for a striker in January, and possibly more money to spend. With that in mind, I expect more 'football' in the coming months, especially as we are now out of the mire.

I'm sure Sam is aware that we all need to see more than a rescue act if he's to get beyond the end of this season. Here's hoping.

James Hill
80 Posted 28/12/2017 at 21:00:31
To the stats quoters. Sometimes a manager just sees something in player he likes that will fit the way he wants to play. Stats are only part of the story. I'm excited if he is coming he looks good and like many I believe Klassen, Sandro and Vlasic will come good for us. Let's hope and give the guy a chance.
John G Davies
81 Posted 28/12/2017 at 21:04:44
Sandro needs to play in a side with fast accurate passing and plenty of movement.
I wouldn't be giving up on him just yet.
Don Alexander
82 Posted 28/12/2017 at 21:05:23
Frankly I'm worried by this signing. Someone above alluded to his similar physical stature to Alan Shearer and others are of the opinion that he's not particularly pacy. Hmmm....

Will he transcend into a target-man given his height, or a prolific scorer in a league where pace is king, even if it's confined to the first few steps? And the stat comparing his scoring prowess with the very similar success being achieved right now by Arune Kone in Turkey is also a real concern.

If £20-25mill is to be the extent of Moshiri's January expenditure I think his Champions League demand is on the back burner of the back cooker in the back kitchen of his former house back in Iran.

Hey ho. Happy New Year folks.

Soren Moyer
83 Posted 28/12/2017 at 21:06:58
Vlasic has been good.
Paul Tran
84 Posted 28/12/2017 at 21:16:08
Both Sandro & Klaassen were bought to play in Koeman's fast-moving, fast-passing team. Koeman couldn't/wouldn't get them playing that way and they had to adjust to their new surroundings. No wonder they haven't looked good.

I won't judge them till Sam starts ironing out the forward play, but it may be that they're both sold to pay for more 'solid' signings.

If Tosun signs as likely, let's judge him on what he does, rather than who signed him.

James Marshall
85 Posted 28/12/2017 at 21:35:22
The first comment on the twitter link above about him saying goodbye really does say it all about him coming to Everton.

I know bugger all about this bloke but it'll be good to have him, Calvert-Lewin and Niasse as options at last.

From that goal above, the kid certainly knows how to hit a ball too. Not too expensive either so we're on a hiding to nothing buying him.

Micky Norman
86 Posted 28/12/2017 at 21:43:46
Sam has gone on record as saying that a new manager's first signing at a new club is their most important. Just saying like...
James Marshall
87 Posted 28/12/2017 at 21:51:19
Allardyce is right then, because his first signing had to be a striker! Whether it works out nobody knows.

I'll start this though, if he's being compared to a young Alan Shearer then a lack of pace doesn't mean shit. Shearer wasn't quick, he had a strikers instinct and ability to finish. You don't need pace if you have that.

Soren Moyer
88 Posted 28/12/2017 at 22:40:09
According to Turkish media, the price is €20 million.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DSKn57QWAAALVCz.jpg:large

David Israel
89 Posted 28/12/2017 at 22:43:33
Derek (#3), I haven't read most of the posts yet, so please forgive me if am I repeating this: Tosun is a Sam Allardyce player, not a Steve Walsh one. He was after him at Palace already.
Soren Moyer
90 Posted 28/12/2017 at 22:53:55
Poasted on Turkish social media lol.

DSKn57_QWAAALVCz

2

Jon Withey
91 Posted 28/12/2017 at 22:55:19
Maybe Calvert-Lewin and him upfront would cause defenders all sorts of troubles. Bolasie and Vlasic on wings. Sigurdsson Baningime and Rooney in the middle and Kenny, Holgate, Keane and a left back – sounds fun anyway.

I'd probably have us conceding 4 a game again.

Kim Vivian
92 Posted 28/12/2017 at 22:56:58
Sure that's not Vlasic's brother?
David Israel
93 Posted 28/12/2017 at 23:00:23
Phil (#10), Aboubakar was on loan to Besiktas from Porto last season, but he's back at Porto this season, and apparently doing well. Another interesting centre-forward, by the way.
Darren Murphy
94 Posted 28/12/2017 at 23:56:20
Ramirez is a striker, and a very good one at that, playing him out of position out wide for 10 minutes every now and then didn't help matters at all. Koeman didn't have a clue what he was doing and all them midfielders and number 10s we brought in was ridiculous, obviously with no proven front man.

We would be great for pace playing Tosun with Ramirez playing with him as the second striker, Vlasic and Lookman or Bolasie, Sigurdsson and Gueye or Davies. Switching around from the pedestrian Schneiderlin, Rooney and pointless Mirallas, Rooney, Niasse and one of the above can come on second half if needed.

A left-back and a strong, aerial threat; a big left centre-back is obviously needed but that depends on players sold etc as we don't know how much money Moshiri will allow after Koeman's and Walsh's flops rolled in. Will we bring back any young lads from loan? Who knows... and I haven't checked on their loan spells Tbh.

I'm not going to wonder because we could well get one striker in even though I'd prefer two, Dembele or Dzeko and a centre-back, with 4 or 5 which includes Barkley out. Nzonzi is 29 too so personally I'd pass on that one. Time will tell as per.

Tony Everan
95 Posted 29/12/2017 at 00:32:05
What has to be built into our expectations is “Who is the best striker that is available that wants to come to us and for a moderately realistic price?”

Looking at it from that angle, Tosun fits the bill. Credit to the board for getting it done quickly.

Nicholas Ryan
96 Posted 29/12/2017 at 01:28:09
I know it's a bit 'left-field'... but how about pairing him with a certain Daniel Sturridge?

Just saying...!!

Paul Holmes
97 Posted 29/12/2017 at 01:47:41
Sign the Turkish lad and tell him to bring some of his mates so we can ship a few out asap because the run will not last forever with the players we have at the moment. Change the personnel and we might see some better football from January onwards....
Joe O'Brien
98 Posted 29/12/2017 at 02:03:53
Nicholas – no, no, no... just bloody no! When I see that injury-prone RedShite linked with us... let's just say I'm not happy.
George Stuart
99 Posted 29/12/2017 at 03:56:32
Sam Hoare [45], He's not very skilful. He's not super strong or fantastic in the air. He's not a deadly finisher though he can certainly strike a ball.

My god! He sounds like me, except I couldn't strike a ball. The kids could learn a lot from this guy. No appreciable assets and he scores in the champions league. That's my sort of player.

Only pulling your leg, Sam. :^)

George Stuart
100 Posted 29/12/2017 at 04:03:06
Of course, if this lad scores a goal to help knock Liverpool out of the FA Cup, he'll be an Everton legend.
Bob Parrington
101 Posted 29/12/2017 at 04:34:17
Poor bugga looks facially a bit like Ibra!!
Steve Brown
102 Posted 29/12/2017 at 06:06:59
Darren (#94), if we drop Rooney, we will lose our main (actually only) source of goals and assists. We have been toothless without him.
Sam Hoare
103 Posted 29/12/2017 at 07:18:32
Jon @91 – a good team but are you playing no goalkeeper? Or trying to get away with 12 on the pitch?!

Jay Woods
[LAT]

104 Posted 29/12/2017 at 07:43:33
Our biggest attacking failure at present is the lack of threat from our fullbacks. Staggering that more people can't see that.

And then I see idealised team line-ups with Tom "Headless Chicken" Davies in them and just pull my hair out.

Mark Murphy
105 Posted 29/12/2017 at 08:35:11
Jay, I think there's many of us who can see that but This thread is about bringing in the (any) striker that we should have brought in last September.

Baines and Coleman are both out injured – Kenny in my opinion is doing a passable imitation of Coleman but it's a left-back we need and I'm 100% sure that if we can see it then the professional coaches and Manager of the club can. I'll be amazed if we don't bring anyone in.

Meanwhile, I'm glad we're bringing this striker; if nothing else he'll provide options to give Calvert-Lewin (who I think will be great) a rest.

Mark Murphy
106 Posted 29/12/2017 at 08:45:15
My wish for starting eleven next season:

Pickford
Kenny Holgate Keane Tierney
Bolasie Gueye Baningime Lookman
Onyekuru Calvert-Lewin

James Morgan
108 Posted 29/12/2017 at 08:58:09
Strange lineup, Mark. No Rooney, Sigurdsson or this new Turkish lad? Not a massive amount of experience in that team, and Seamus should be firing on all cylinders by then. Oh and Onyekuru might only just be getting back in to training depending on how bad his injury is.
Brian Williams
109 Posted 29/12/2017 at 09:03:02
Would be good news if this goes through. Hope we get this sorted quickly.

Other good news is that young Henry's injury isn't as serious as first thought and he won't require surgery. (That is from the club itself.)

Now, if we could get Nzonzi and Seri, plus a left-back, that would be better than I'd certainly hoped for.

Carl Taylor
110 Posted 29/12/2017 at 09:29:56
Late to this particular thread, but really don't see the need to have added the comment regarding Arouna Kone in the original post. Do we always have to look for a negative?

This transfer window and the football we play once new players arrive will dictate if Sam Allardyce is here next season or not, in my opinion, so it is crucial in the short term. Therefore, let's just back the players, give the team our support and see what happens.

If all goes well, then maybe Sam Allardyce has been misunderstood all these years; or he is an anti-football dinosaur and Fonseca comes in over the summer and we welcome a bright new dawn.

Simon Jones
111 Posted 29/12/2017 at 09:51:16
Jason (#22),

"What we don't need anymore:

Schneiderlin, Mirallas, Sandro, Klaassen, Barkley, Robles, McCarthy, Besic, Jagielka, Stekelenburg and Henen.

Please feel free to make a case for any of the above."

Okay then Jason, I'll do my best!

Schneiderlin – Premier League experience, form is temporary, he'll improve;
Mirallas – agreed, attitude stinks at times;
Sandro – needs a season;
Klaassen – see previous;
Barkley – I think his problems are in his head and off the pitch... I'll be genuinely upset if he leaves and I want him to stay to at least the end of the season;
Robles – all Premier League clubs need 3 keepers;
McCarthy – might be time for him to move on;
Besic – probably not Premier League standard, but not a terrible player, certainly not as bad as many would have you believe;
Jagielka – really? Sell a quality defender? Probably no longer a starter every week but, with our defensive shortcomings, he'd just about be last on my list to move on;
Stekelenburg – See Robles;
Henen – couldn't say, surely he falls in with the U23 players that will move on if they don't make the grade at the end of the season?

Mark Murphy
112 Posted 29/12/2017 at 09:53:22
Youth and pace, James. What's strange about 4-4-2 with pace on the wings and up front?

I've not seen the new Turkish lad but I have seen Calvert-Lewin and more of Henry than The Turk.

Coleman “may” never be the same player but Kenny is capable of stepping up next season.

Sigurdsson and Rooney are too slow and are stop gap players for this season anyway. I'm talking next season remember.

Carl Allan
113 Posted 29/12/2017 at 10:03:07
I'm always wary of signing players who are scoring plenty of goals in a shite league and then getting fooled into paying inflated transfer fees for them only for the Premier League to be too physical or fast for them. I Would much rather we have bid for players already with a track record of playing in the Premier League.

Why aren't we in for the likes of Shaqiri who is a technically gifted footballer -– something we are badly lacking – with the ability to carry the ball and who is also physically able to compete in this league, surely Stoke can't be that much of an attraction anymore.

Jon Withey
114 Posted 29/12/2017 at 10:17:34
Oops, maths was never my strong point. I'd play Rooney every game – so far, him and Sigurdsson look the most likely to unlock a defence but they need more movement ahead of them.

Okay – I'll switch to 5-3-2 with Baningime or Gueye in front of defence, Sigurdsson, Rooney and Bolasie in midfield, with Calvert-Lewin and Tosun up front.

The tricky bit is using the wingers, isn't it? Perhaps Calvert-Lewin should give way to Vlasic and Tosun is on his own.

I have to admit, I can see our current conundrum in that we feel we need to give the left- and right-backs cover – the purist wingers like Vlasic won't give it.

Simon Jones
115 Posted 29/12/2017 at 10:24:07
I think all the transfer fees need to be divided by 10 to make sense now. It's like converting what you paid for a pint as a young fella to what you are asked to pay now.

Hence at £2.5M, Tosun looks like a decent punt. £7.5M that the rs have paid for Dick van Dyke is a reasonable amount for a talented Premier League defender.

£30M is the fee for an average Premier League player now, so just divide by 10 and, hey presto – the modern game doesn't seem quite as ridiculous any more!

James Marshall
116 Posted 29/12/2017 at 10:47:39
It's worth mentioning that we have zero threat from either fullback position, which is a major issue in football these days.

No offence to Kenny or Martina, who I think have both been decent defensively lately, but they do very little going forward.

Martina takes a lot of flack on here, but my view is that he's done well, especially given that he's been playing on the wrong side. Kenny has also done pretty much nothing in an attacking sense and this has stunted our forward play big time – my suspicion is that it's been part of the deliberate ploy from Allardyce to keep us from conceding goals, but it's definitely one of the main reasons we carry no goal threat. It isn't all about the strikers or forwards themselves.

Aside from that, soon we look like having Calvert-Lewin, Niasse, Sandro and Tosun, with Rooney & Sigurdsson in support – a much healthier feel to the forward players, especially given Bolasie is back as well now.

Options up front will really help, and it'll be interesting to see how Tosun fits in, and whether he plays alone or with support – I gather he usually plays with another attacker and it'll take time to see who fits in where, and how they all gel. Sandro could yet make something of this season given a run in the team with Tosun.

Also, I've been looking up pronunciation for his name, and in Turkish they would say it as: Kentch Tow-zun. Just an FYI really.

Andrew Ellams
118 Posted 29/12/2017 at 10:58:26
The rumours about Theo Walcott seem to be resurfacing again. But if we could land Nzonzi, Tosun and Layvin Kurzawa from PSG (if the rumours of his availability are true) then that should see us through to the end of this season fairly comfortably. Then, in the summer, we can look at a new centre-back and some extra pace out wide.
Vijay Nair
119 Posted 29/12/2017 at 11:12:05
The media (and the club) seem eerily quiet on outgoings in this window. There are quite a few incoming players but certain positions are overstocked, particularly in midfield.

Messrs Mirallas, Besic, and Klaassen for example, are clearly not favoured by Sam and should be sold or loaned out for game time.

Also, even if we get another left-back in, we should get Garbutt into the squad, and bring back Galloway as cover on that centre-left side of defence.

George Cumiskey
120 Posted 29/12/2017 at 11:18:59
I love the optimist in you ToffeeWebbers picking teams with all kinds of attacking players, as if Sam Allardyce is going to go down that road...

Only time will tell; we will know a lot more about his intentions after the transfer window shuts.

James Marshall
121 Posted 29/12/2017 at 11:23:29
Walcott is being linked with Southampton, who obviously have a Virgil Van Price Hijk shaped cheque to spend so I doubt we'l see him up here anytime soon. Also, Giroud is out for 6 weeks so Arsenal might end up using Walcott anyway.

Andrew Ellams
122 Posted 29/12/2017 at 11:25:04
James, I'm not sure Walcott is the player we need right now. I'd rather hold on until the summer and look at players like Nathan Redmond or Demarai Gray.
James Marshall
123 Posted 29/12/2017 at 11:36:11
Redmond & Gray are both the sort of players we need to be avoiding in my view – half-decent but lower-level players that flit in & out of their respective first 11s. We already have enough of those.

I think we should be aiming way higher, to be honest.

James Morgan
124 Posted 29/12/2017 at 11:51:00
Mark, I like youth and pace too but Rooney is on course to score 15 to 20 goals this season, Sigurdsson is by far our best set piece taker, and both bring experience which is always needed.

I understand your sentiment on Coleman but this day and age it's easier for players like Seamus and Yannick to come back from bad injuries due to the new science and technologies available (Allardyce mentioned such in his presser regarding Coleman).

I like Lookman and Vlasic as well; both could play a big part next season but I certainly wouldn't write off Rooney and Sigurdsson. Baningime certainly looks promising but let's not get carried away just yet.

Andrew Ellams
125 Posted 29/12/2017 at 11:55:02
James, right now we are not in a position to be aiming that much higher and those two would probably cost the best part of £70million between them so aiming higher is going to be expensive.
John G Davies
126 Posted 29/12/2017 at 12:01:19
Go for Zaha. Realistically his signing is achievable. Probably £30 million.

Tosun: £20 million; Nzonzi £25 million; Barkley and a few others out.

You have transformed the team for circa £40-45 million.

Darren Murphy
127 Posted 29/12/2017 at 12:08:24
Steve (#102),

Yeah, them goals would be replaced by the two mentioned strikers playing every game and Rooney can come on around the 60-minute mark with Calvert-Lewin, who I think needs a rest as he's been battling up top on his own, depending on the game situation.

Whoever said Tosun was slow and unskillful clearly hasn't seen him play. He's definitely not.

Barry Williams
128 Posted 29/12/2017 at 12:38:20
Chris Corn – #50

Yes, Niasse can be cumbersome at times, but for me, he scores, causes havoc and is also very quick to react to situations. Given what we have at the club, I'd like to see him given a chance. His goals-to-minutes ratio is excellent and he chases seemingly lost causes and makes something out of them. He is actually a good finisher too! On top of that, he has strength of character!

Just my take on it, I think he is better than what he looks, even given the odd bouts of dodgy control that you mention against West Brom. Dodgy control and stray passing have been a theme for the entire team this year!

Jay Wood
[BRZ]

129 Posted 29/12/2017 at 12:43:57
Nowt to do with any transfer gossip, but I hope whoever is finalising contracts has a keener eye for detail than the club achieved on THIS:

Everton remove T-shirt from online store after supporters notice the main picture is of rival club Liverpool's Kop

Chris Corn
130 Posted 29/12/2017 at 13:47:54
Can't really argue with you there Barry (#128). The general quality of play when in possession is shocking.
Brian Wilkinson
131 Posted 29/12/2017 at 14:38:17
He'll be a good addition; interesting who might be getting shipped out – one player I would not ship out for now who will make a big difference is James McCarthy.

I know it's the injury prone million dollar question when the next injury comes, but a fully fit McCarthy would be the first name on the midfield team sheet along with Gueye for me.

Barry Williams
132 Posted 29/12/2017 at 15:37:07
Chris Corn - 130

Yes, it definitely has. The amount of passes that go astray – short ones too and longer ones to no-one in particular – has been the story of the season for me, well pre-dating Allardyce. We have problems keeping possession against teams that get among us; there is always a predictability that we'll lose possession almost straight away from a throw-in.

When you consider that the players are often internationals, ex-internationals or future internationals, it is baffling that they can't get the basics right. I guess after consolidating the defence, that is the next job on the agenda! One can hope anyway!

Matthew Williams
133 Posted 29/12/2017 at 15:43:09
I believe we're in the very early stages of putting together a team to challenge the very best It feels like the '82-'83 team now & look what they achieved.

Made up we got Tosun & Sam called it right too. A few more additions, players returning from injury, and with some loan players recalled... I believe the future will be brighter.

We just need to start by putting them penalty-shootout loving RedShite bastards in their place at Mordor!

Geoff Lambert
134 Posted 29/12/2017 at 15:59:07
Matthew have I missed something? Has Tosun signed?
Mark Murphy
135 Posted 29/12/2017 at 16:03:42
Okay, James – maybe I'm being a bit premature by a season. But we have youth in the squad for when Rooney does actually fade – I'd love him to give us at least two good seasons too.

Not sold on Sigurdsson myself and, as I prefer the old 4-4-2, I can't really fit him in “my team”

Talking of youth and pace, I see Barcelona are selling players to buy Coutinho. Amongst them is Gerald Deulofeu...

Gerry Quinn
136 Posted 29/12/2017 at 16:29:12
I see that Mourinho is now stating that the reason for Lukaku not scoring is that he is "tired"! Maybe a couple of splints to stop him flapping his feckin' arms will help him recover...
Kevin Prytherch
137 Posted 29/12/2017 at 16:36:02
Mark (#135),

Didn't we have some sort of arrangement where Barca couldn't sell him straight away??

If they do, we could get a percentage of the deal.

Mark Murphy
138 Posted 29/12/2017 at 16:42:14
Kevin I think it was the other way round when we signed him wasn't it? But anyway – I just read that Barca are having a fire sale (selling several players) to raise funds for Coutinho.

Not saying we should go back for him, just that Barca don't seem that convinced by him either. Such a shame – I thought he was the “real Deul” ... (See what I did there??)


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