Why Everton should sign Jhon Cordoba to bolster squad depth
According to claims from German outlet Bild via HITC (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton have been credited with an interest in Colombian striker Jhon Cordoba, who currently plies his trade with FC Koln in Germany.
The 27-year-old has turned down the opportunity to sign a new deal with the Bundesliga outfit, with his current contract set to expire in 2021. (Bild h/t Liverpool Echo)
As per the report, Cordoba could be available for a fee of around £14million this summer as Koln look to cash in on the Colombian rather than risk losing him for free next year.
Profile
Jhon Cordoba started his professional career with Envigado in his native Colombia. He spent time at Mexican clubs Queretaro, Chiapas, and Dorados before earning a move to Europe. The towering hitman enjoyed moderate success in Spain with Espanyol and Granada. He scored 8 goals in 54 La Liga appearances for both clubs combined.
The 27-year-old eventually moved across the continent to settle down at German club Mainz. He managed 13 goals and 7 assists in 59 appearances across all competitions there. Cordoba was then snapped up by fellow top-flight club FC Koln in 2017 and has since bagged 37 goals in 86 appearances.
Cordoba guided Koln to a promotion-winning campaign in the German second-tier with a 20-goal haul during the 2018-19 season before netting 13 times in the Bundesliga last season.
Cordoba would add more depth to Everton’s striking options
Everton have already grabbed the headlines on several occasions this summer with big-money deals for midfielders Abdoulaye Doucoure, Allan, and James Rodriguez. All three new signings played a key role as the Toffees beat Tottenham 1-0 on the opening day of the 2020-21 campaign.
Truth be told, Carlo Ancelotti’s side looked every inch a top-six side in the Premier League with the three new signings having a transformative impact on the club’s midfield and creative lines. However, there are still a few areas in the squad that require further investment and the central striker position is perhaps the most important among them.
Calvert-Lewin has been quite brilliant for the Toffees since the start of the 2019-20 campaign, but Everton don’t really have too much cover and competition for him. Richarlison is capable of leading the line but it goes without saying that the Brazilian’s best qualities are utilised on the flanks.
Cenk Tosun has been out of favour at Goodison Park for a long time and is currently on the comeback trail from a knee injury. Moise Kean, though an exciting prospect with loads of potential, is yet to live up to the expectations in English football.
Everton need to bring in a reliable central striker to compete with Calvert-Lewin and Jhon Cordoba ticks plenty of boxes to improve Everton’s depth in front of goal.
Read more
- Why Everton offering Michael Keane a new deal is a sensible decision
- Why Everton must send Moise Kean back to Italy on loan
Verdict
The 27-year-old hit double digits in a single top-flight campaign for the first time last term, scoring 13 goals in the Bundesliga. It looks like his career in Europe is finally about to take off.
Jhon Cordoba still has his best years ahead of him and with his contract in Germany set to expire in less than 12 months’ time, Everton would be well within their rights to look at a cut-price swoop for the Colombian this summer.
