Everton Chase Esteban Lepaul: A Frontline Solution Amid Striker Crisis
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- Everton memimpin perburuan penyerang Rennes, Esteban Lepaul, setelah kegagalan mendatangkan Folarin Balogun pada deadline day.
- Lepaul mencetak 21 gol musim lalu dan tetap menjadi target utama meski baru menandatangani kontrak jangka panjang hingga 2030.
- Persaingan ketat dari Leeds United dan Aston Villa, sementara Everton juga mempertimbangkan Mauro Icardi dan Jean-Philippe Mateta sebagai opsi cadangan.
Everton are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Rennes striker Esteban Lepaul as the club looks to strengthen its attack in the January transfer window. The move is crucial given that the Toffees currently have only Thierno Barry as their sole senior striker, after a deal to bring in Folarin Balogun from AS Monaco fell through on deadline day.
Barry, a 23-year-old French player, had actually been impressive early in the season with six goals in eight matches across all competitions. However, his fine form has not been enough to reassure the Everton hierarchy. Coach Scott Chickelday acknowledged Barry's progress but also highlighted the adaptation challenges he faces. "We coach his finishing and he comes back sharp. It's like a roller coaster, jeered by your own fans then adored like a hero," Chickelday said. He added that Barry also has to adjust to the rigours of the Premier League while caring for a newborn baby.
According to a TEAMtalk report, Everton now lead the race to sign Lepaul. However, Premier League rivals such as Leeds United and Aston Villa have also shown serious interest. Lepaul, who was born in Auxerre and has earned three caps for the France national team, is a target for many clubs after a stellar season with Rennes. Although he is tied to a long-term contract until the summer of 2030, the chance of a move in January remains wide open.
"Esteban lives for goals; he is spontaneous, drawn to open space in front of goal, and has an outstanding work ethic every day," said former Rennes coach Habib Beye.
Besides Lepaul, Everton are reported to be considering several other names such as Tommy Lonergan, Mauro Icardi, and Jean-Philippe Mateta. Mateta is an attractive option because he has already proven himself in the Premier League with Crystal Palace, with 50 goals and nine assists in 163 appearances. Mateta's experience in English football could be an added value, although his high price and wages may be an obstacle.
For Everton, the need for a new striker is urgent. With only Barry as a pure striker, the risk of injury or a drop in form could threaten the team's stability. Manager David Moyes cannot rely on just one player, especially with a packed schedule in the second half of the season. The arrival of Lepaul or another striker is expected to give the Toffees' attack a new dimension.
The competition to secure Lepaul's signature will not be easy. Leeds United and Aston Villa have their own appeal, both financially and in terms of their club projects. Everton must move quickly and convince Lepaul that Goodison Park is the right place to continue his career. If they fail, it is not impossible that Everton will have to turn to another option that may be less ideal.
Going forward, the January transfer window will be a crucial moment for Everton. Will they be able to secure Lepaul's services, or will they have to settle for an alternative? Either way, Everton's frontline needs a fresh injection of energy if they want to compete better for the rest of the season. The management's decisions in the coming weeks will heavily determine the team's direction.
