Why Jose Callejon would be a good addition to Everton
According to The Athletic (h/t Sky Sports), Napoli’s Jose Callejon has emerged as one of Everton’s top summer transfer targets.
Callejon, 33, came through the ranks of Real Madrid’s youth system and moved to Espanyol for regular game time. After three successful seasons with the Catalan club, he returned to the Santiago Bernabeu, where he did a decent job but seemed surplus to their requirements.
In 2013, the Spaniard moved to Italy with Napoli and has been one of the most consistent players in the squad over the past 6 years. In 336 appearances for the Naples outfit, he has racked up 80 goals and 77 assists and is still considered to be a key player under Genaro Gattuso. His performances and experience also earned him the captain’s armband on a few occasions.
Meanwhile, Everton have done well to lift themselves out of danger since the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti. They started off brilliantly under the new manager and went into the top half of the table but their recent dip in form has put them in 12th spot in the league standings.
However, they need to bring reinforcements in the summer to see a change in their fortunes and compete at a higher level right from the start of the new campaign. After bringing stability to the team that was once hovering around the relegation zone, it is time for Ancelotti to make them challengers in various competitions.
In the attacking unit, the toffees have only Theo Walcott in the right-wing whereas, Alex Iwobi has occasionally featured in this position. They have limited options in the wide areas since Richarlison has gone on to partner with Dominic Calvert-Lewin higher up the pitch. Therefore, the manager should bring in reinforcements in the form of wingers.
In that case, Napoli’s Jose Callejon would be a suitable choice for the club, which needs adequate depth in the squad.
The 33-year-old has been consistent over the past few years both in terms of scoring and providing assists. He has provided 10 or most assists in each of the last three seasons in Serie A and has also scored 27 goals during that time.
The Spanish international is a versatile player who is comfortable from anywhere across the frontline despite being a natural right-winger. He is also capable of operating from the midfield and his versatile nature could be useful for Ancelotti. The pair have already worked together in Napoli and could be a benefit for the team.
Callejon’s talent and experience are way beyond most of the members in the Toffees squad and he can prove to be a leader for the team in their attack. He would definitely add quality to the team and could be a crucial player for them for some years.
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Verdict
Though he is 33, Callejon doesn’t seem to slow down given his prolonging fine run of form for the Italian outfit. At the same, Everton are in dire need of forwards due to the lack of quality up front.
Therefore, it would be wise by the Toffees to secure the services of the Spanish international and keep him at the club for a few years.