Everton and Newcastle United could not be further apart than they are now. You could almost say the two have swapped roles, as Everton seem set to flirt with relegation once again while the Magpies kick on towards the top of the table. It’s no secret that the Toffees are in turmoil both on and off the pitch.
Star striker Richarlison is still yet to be replaced while fellow forward Dominic Calvert-Lewin can’t stay fit. Frank Lampard was recently sacked while desperate fan protests for the departure of board members have fallen on deaf ears.
Having spent over £500 million since the beginning of 2016, Everton find themselves in a precarious financial position. In a bid to raise funds the exit of academy starlet Anthony Gordon was considered the best method to get cash into the club. However the fee, upwards of £60 million, demanded by the club was swatted aside by then suitors Chelsea.
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Six months later, Gordon’s refusing to show up to training at Finch Farm as he looks to force his way out of Goodison Park. Now Newcastle are looking the most likely outfit for the 21-year old forward.
With Gordon now reportedly valued at around £40 million, Eddie Howe would be wise to consider a few other options before committing such a fee for a player whose attacking numbers don’t justify such an outlay. No question that Gordon is talented but using FBRef, we’ve compiled a list of players we believe Newcastle ought to consider instead.
Ederson | POS: CM | Club: Atalanta | Estimated Value: £17-25m
At 6ft and weighing around 87kg, the physicality of the league wouldn’t be an issue for 23 year-old Ederson. The Brazilian international has a similar playing profile to Joelinton and Joe Willock, both of whom are currently thriving under Eddie Howe at St James’ Park. With fellow countryman Bruno Guimaraes already settled in the midfield system, Howe could easily find a use for Ederson’s abilities.
So far this season in Serie A, he’s recorded 51 tackles + interceptions, 24 of which are in the middle third of the pitch. He's demonstrated effectiveness at dispossessing opponents, boasting a 66% win rate against the dribble. Ederson is also productive going forward, generating 2.35 shot-creating actions (SCA) per 90. Basically Newcastle fans, he’s Bruno 2.0.
Mattia Zaccagni | POS: LW | Club: Lazio | Estimated Value: £16-23m
Most of you won’t have heard of Mattia Zaccagni but he’s a dynamic forward threat with an eye for goal and someone that thrives going forward. At 27 years old, he’s in his ‘prime’ years which means he’s ready to slot into the Newcastle squad and hit the ground running. With 7 goals and 3 assists in 16 games this season, averaging 0.72 goals+assist per 90, a number only bettered within the Newcastle squad by Callum Wilson (0.78), Zaccagni could prove to be a much needed attacking outlet for Eddie Howe’s side.
Demarai Gray | POS: RW/LW | Club: Everton | Estimated Value: £10-15m
This is a player many Premier League fans will be aware of. Once tipped for greatness as a graduate of the Birmingham City academy, Gray’s career never quite took off. But as we’ve seen at Leicester and now Everton, he’s a speedy, tricky winger with an eye for a long-range screamer or two.
A cheaper alternative to teammate Gordon, Gray wouldn’t break the bank but would offer an attacking threat and a firm upgrade on the likes of Jacob Murphy and Ryan Fraser. This season, Gray has recorded 26 key passes (passes that lead to a shot) as well as recording 3.48 SCA per 90 - higher than any Newcastle attacker (to play 10+ games) this season.
Nicolò Zaniolo | POS: CAM/RW/LW | Club: AS Roma | Estimated Value: £30-40m
Fresh off the printing press, Nicolo Zaniolo has been linked with a switch to St James’ Park. The Italian youngster is often rumoured to be parting from the capital but nothing seems to come of it. As for what he’d offer Newcastle United, it’s hard to tell. He’s clearly a talented player, someone who likes to progress forward with the ball and create opportunities for his team mates but statistically this season he appears to be off the boil.
Only eight key passes in 13 league games, a respectable 2.73 SCA per 90 followed by a less respectable 63.8% pass completion rate. If Newcastle were to sign him, it would certainly be for what he could become rather than what he’s demonstrating now.