Why Everton should make a renewed attempt to sign Emmanuel Dennis
Back in February, a report from Foot Mercato via HITC (h/t Liverpool Echo) mentioned Everton among the potential suitors for Club Brugge striker Emmanuel Dennis. The Nigerian had also been linked with Premier League rivals Southampton and Crystal Palace.
Profile
Emmanuel Dennis started his professional career with Ukrainian outfit Zorya Luhansk, where he scored 6 goals in 26 appearances and also featured in the Europa League group stages for the first time. The versatile forward was then snapped up by Club Brugge in the summer of 2017 and Dennis has gradually established himself as one of the best attacking players in the Belgian top-flight.
The 22-year-old has managed a decent tally of 29 goals and 12 assists in 110 appearances for Brugge in all competitions so far, helping his club win the domestic league in 2017-18.
Dennis has also carved out a reputation for himself on the continental stage, scoring twice in a 2-2 draw against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu in the Champions League last year before finding the net against Man United in the Europa League.
Dennis would be a quality squad player for Everton
Everton have enjoyed a sensational start to the 2020-21 Premier League campaign after a summer of heavy spending that marked the arrivals of James Rodriguez, Allan, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Ben Godfrey, Robin Olsen, and Niels Nkounkou.
The Toffees are currently at the top of the table, having won four of their six opening fixtures so far. While it’s too early to pass a definitive judgement, Carlo Ancelotti’s side seem more than capable of challenging for a top-six finish if they manage to maintain the same level of consistency in the coming months.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has spearheaded Everton’s stellar start to the season with a string of top-notch displays, scoring 7 times in 6 PL outings so far. He has been very well supported in the final third by the likes of Rodriguez and Richarlison operating on either flank.
Indeed, those three players hold the key to Everton’s hopes of challenging for a return to Europe. But the Toffees’ depth in the ranks will surely be put to test later on in the campaign when the fixtures start to come thick and fast. Everton need quality alternatives in all departments if they are to go toe-to-toe with the elite clubs in the league.
The likes of Bernard and Alex Iwobi are the only feasible attacking alternatives available at Ancelotti’s disposal following the loan exit of Theo Walcott and Moise Kean. However, neither player has managed to inspire much confidence over the past 12 months. Everton should, therefore, look to cash in on them and bring in some solid back-ups.
Everton going back into the market for Emmanuel Dennis would definitely put an end to their squad depth issues in front of goal. Essentially a centre-forward by trade, the Nigerian international is also versatile enough to operate as a wide forward on either flank, thus potentially offering Ancelotti with quality cover for either of his regular front three.
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Verdict
Emmanuel Dennis has backed up his domestic form in Belgium with some top-drawer displays in the European competitions. The 22-year-old still has his best years ahead of him. Working under a charismatic manager like Ancelotti will surely help him make significant improvements to his game.
The Nigerian has less than two years remaining on his current contract at Club Brugge, so the door is pretty much open for Everton to try their luck once again when the transfer window reopens in January.
