Can struggling Everton star Cenk Tosun solve Crystal Palace striker troubles?
Earlier in January, the Daily Mail had revealed that Everton were ready to let not one, but three stars go, to fund any signings they need. While Oumar Niasse left on loan to Cardiff City, the other two, Morgan Schneiderlin and Cenk Tosun are yet to leave. However, now the BBC has revealed that Crystal Palace are keen on bringing the Turkish international to Selhurst Park.
The Eagles are facing a massive issue with in front of the goal, with main target man Christian Benteke only just returning from a lengthy injury absence and other options not doing enough. Manager Roy Hodgson believes Tosun is the man who could solve their scoring problem.
The 28-year-old has struggled to make an impact at Everton, netting just two goals in 19 appearances. Having arrived in the 2018 January window, the former Besiktas striker did score 5 goals in 14 Premier League appearances last season, which included a three-game scoring streak. However, it has been clear that the Turkish international isn’t able to make the cut under Marco Silva.
The former Watford manager prefers that his strikers have speed and can help with the build-up play, which is something that Tosun can do. But the slow build-up to attacks has affected the striker, with either Richarlison playing as a false nine or Dominic Calvert Lewin being preferred instead.
But unlike Everton, Crystal Palace and manager Roy Hodgson prefer using a target man, which would allow the Turk to find his shooting boots once again.
A penalty box predator, Tosun flourishes inside the box and has a brilliant aerial ability which is his main strength. But far more than that, the 28-year-old is rather similar to former Everton star Romelu Lukaku, which is why he was bought in the first place. For Palace, his addition could just be the thing to restart their campaign, but they’ll have to move the ball faster from back to front.
The Daily Mail has also revealed that Fulham are in the race for the Everton star, with Claudio Ranieri looking to add at least one attacking option to help save the Cottagers. That desperation combined with a battle for relegation could prove to be Fulham’s eventual downfall and it’s something that the Eagles need to take advantage of.
