Brands’ comments on Everton’s youngsters suggest he may not sign a striker

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Marcel Brands has appeared to distance himself from the wishes of Everton fans to sign a new striker this summer, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Cenk Tosun’s failings have led Marco Silva to field Richarlison through the middle for much of the season but the Brazilian was one of three players Brands held up as evidence that a new big-name striker isn’t exactly a necessity.

Brands said: “We have a good squad and I am aware that the fans are asking if we can find a new striker who can score 20 goals.

“We are a very, very lucky club that we have three players with great potential who are just 21. We have Dominic [Calvert-Lewin], we have Richarlison and we have Ademola [Lookman].

“If I bring in a new player, a huge striker or a name, should I destroy one of them? It is also my goal to protect those boys. Everyone agrees with me that they have great potential and a great future.”

Lookman and Richarlison are wingers by trade – and even Calvert-Lewin can play out there. Brands does not appear to be too concerned about Theo Walcott blocking Lookman’s path, either.

An experienced striker would offer guidance and a focal point to these hot young prospects – not destroy them – and Brands is deluding himself if he thinks that Everton do not need a new striker this summer.