Is Standard Liege’s Ishak Belfodil set to join Everton in a £10.4million deal?

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Everton have made Algeria forward Ishak Belfodil a premier transfer target this month after a recommendation from Steve Walsh. According to the Guardian, the club have agreed a fee of £10.4 million with Standard Liege and the striker is set to fly to Merseyside to discuss personal terms. Everton have been quick and decisive in this window to date and Belfodil could be the latest new recruit at Goodison Park. Although he is Algerian, Belfodil wasn’t selected for the African Cup of Nations, therefore he would be available for Everton straight away if a deal does go through.

What will he bring to Everton?

The Algerian striker is adaptable and should be able to settle in quickly. He has played in four countries in his short career, which will make some question him in terms of commitment, but the variety of experience will stand him in good stead as he comes to the most competitive league in the world. He is a striker that should be able to cope with the physicality of the league as he has an imposing frame and is good in the air, as we have seen this season with some headed goals for Standard Liege. Belfodil’s finishing has been seen as a weak point, but that is steadily improving, while he can also threaten from range and is a good free kick taker.

At the age of 24, he could still improve, but for that to happen he needs to stay at a club for a few years. Everton could be that club for the Algerian. Although there will be doubts about his scoring record, he did well in the Europa League this season with three goals in five matches, showing that he can influence matches at a high level. He won’t be coming to Everton as a first team regular, but he will offer good competition to Romelu Lukaku, something that thy desperately need to ensure the Belgian’s level doesn’t drop.

How likely is it?

Considering the report from the Guardian about the two clubs agreeing a fee, it does seem likely that Belfodil moves to Everton in the coming days. The story has been picked up by the majority of newspapers, while the BBC is also reporting interest, which suggests there is some real substance in this one. The BBC isn’t known for reporting rumour. The Toffees are pressing ahead with their rebuild under Ronald Koeman and it will be interesting to see how the second half of the season goes for them.

Belfodil may have led a colourful career to date with an assortment of clubs, but he does possess real talent. He has played for Inter Milan and will be hoping to become a success in the biggest league in the world. He was offered to several Premier League clubs over summer, but he ended up at Standard Liege. The Algerian has obviously done enough to convince Steve Walsh that he can be a success in England. It is a risk, but for a fee only fractionally above £10 million it isn’t a huge one for Everton to take. If he does well, there will be a major sell-on value, while if he doesn’t, he was nothing more than a squad player and there won’t be too much criticism coming Walsh’s way.

9/10 – There is still some way to go on this deal, but it does look like one that will go through.

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