Here, TBR take a look at a promising striker Everton have that could save them millions in the summer transfer window.
The Merseysiders have a rich history of developing talent from their academy, with Jarrad Branthwaite the latest example of that.
The 21-year-old is enjoying a tremendous breakthrough season at Goodison Park, so much so, that he was rewarded with a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad in March.
Branthwaite will be a highly sought-after man this summer and already clubs are beginning to plot proposals.
With that said, it looks as though Everton may have another bright player emerging through the academy who could break into Sean Dyche‘s first team next season.
Martin Sherif has bags of promise
Martin Sherif is a ‘powerful’ left-footed striker who is making real noise in Everton’s academy.
Sherif, who joined The Toffees aged 13, has scored 24 goals in 53 appearances for the under-18s and is beginning to make the step up to the under-21s.
Aged just 17, the Netherlands youth international is way ahead of schedule and his fast development could see him part of Dyche’s pre-season camp.
Sherif idolised Didier Drogba growing up and if he can be even half the player the former Chelsea man was, he’ll be a real asset to Everton.
The 2006-born signed his first professional contract last summer and evidently is hungry to improve.
“Leighton spoke to me about my hold-up play and he used Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a good example. “Kieran (Driscoll – Under 18s assistant head coach) has helped with my composure in front of goal. Both of them have been really helpful to me, so I appreciate that,” Sherif said.
Martin Sherif could save Everton millions
Everton have been pretty bereft of quality in the number nine role for a few seasons now, despite outlaying £25m on Beto last year – a deal which hasn’t really worked out.
Since arriving from Udinese, the towering centre-forward has netted just three goals in 29 Premier League appearances whilst Dominic Calvert-Lewin is unfortunately prone to injury.
Instead of investing in another striker to solve the club’s goalscoring woes, Dyche should consider calling upon Sherif and promoting him to the first team – it could save millions of pounds.
