Samuel Chukwueze move only works if Everton have new plan for £12m star

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Everton have interest in Samuel Chukwueze, according to reports. It’s a move that only makes sense if there are other plans afoot, however.

90min claims that Everton are one of a host of Premier League clubs who like Samuel Chukwueze. The Nigerian could cost up to £80m, however – a gigantic fee for a relatively unproven player.

Still, Chukwueze is only 21 and has great potential as a pacy winger. Villarreal clearly know that, too, as 90min point out that he’s signed two new contracts in the last 16 months alone.

If they sell, they’ll want a big price for a player with a big future. But a future at Everton only works if the Toffees have new plans for star James Rodriguez.

Moving inside

The biggest problem with the deal is that Chukwueze plays on the right. That’s about the last place Everton need a player, given they use James there. The Colombian has been a revelation since moving to Everton for around £12m.

But that could always change. James can play as a no.10, of course, and Everton could well see his long-term future there. If so, there is space for a new right-winger.

And with Richarlison the long-term option on the left at just 23 himself, there’s enormous potential in signing a player like Chukwueze. Everton would have two direct, young wingers developing together – add in Dominic Calver-Lewin and you have an incredibly promising front-line.

It could be that Everton want those players to have someone as good as James feeding them. And if that is the plan, then a move certainly makes a lot of sense. Whether that £80m price is worth it is a whole other matter, however.