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Is this very tall striker from Stuttgart the next on the list?

07/08/2022 71comments  |  Jump to last

It's Sunday and this week's new name to satiate the desperate need for a striker addition to Frank Lampard's squad is Austrian giant SaÅ¡a Kalajdžić. 

The Daily Mail claims Everton are in the 'race' to sign the 6ft-7in Stuttgart front man who only scored 6 goals last season after being out with a serious injury. 

But the 25-year-old notched a more respectable 16 goals from 33 games in the previous season and it is his, plus a reasonable fee of around £15M as he is in the last year of his current contract, which are factors that see him being linked to Everton.

 

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Reader Comments (71)

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Frank Crewe
1 Posted 07/08/2022 at 12:39:21
If I'm to believe all the twaddle on NewsNow we are chasing at least four different strikers, including this guy.

All I know is we need a striker ASAP. So let's hope one of these rumours is actually real.

Brent Stephens
2 Posted 07/08/2022 at 12:54:15
6ft 7in. And he thinks he's good enough for us. He must have some neck.
Rob Halligan
3 Posted 07/08/2022 at 13:10:05
Brent,

I'm just waiting for the first post that says "Don't sign him as he appears to be injury prone"!!

Brent Stephens
4 Posted 07/08/2022 at 13:13:47
Don't encourage people, Rob!

Can't say I know anything about this guy.

Lester Yip
5 Posted 07/08/2022 at 13:34:40
One of the most imporatnt attribute is that he is not injury prone. We have enough in recovery bay.
Soren Moyer
6 Posted 07/08/2022 at 14:38:32
I guess it all depends on if he is mobile enough or just tall and static as a bin pole!
Piero Bohoslawec
7 Posted 07/08/2022 at 14:54:09
Like Tony Everan on another thread, I would be delighted if we could sign Bamba Dieng from Marseille. He's powerful, pacy and with a decent scoring record for a 22-year-old.

He's already a Senegal international and has played in any of the front positions for his current team so could support or stand in for Calvert-Lewin. He should be relatively good value because it would be a gamble but he has all the attributes to make it in the Premier League.

Geoff Lambert
8 Posted 07/08/2022 at 15:37:56
Does he have a name?
Will Mabon
9 Posted 07/08/2022 at 15:40:04
Saša Kalajdžić.
Geoff Lambert
10 Posted 07/08/2022 at 15:42:08
Thanks Will.
Geoff Lambert
11 Posted 07/08/2022 at 15:43:13
Not for me how could we make a song up for him.
Jim Jennings
12 Posted 07/08/2022 at 15:44:25
He's actually quite good and at the price quoted, is worth a punt.
Tom Bowers
13 Posted 07/08/2022 at 15:45:50
We need someone. How about Tyson Fury at 6 feet nine ?
Will Mabon
14 Posted 07/08/2022 at 15:52:53
They\\\'re mostly all a punt of sorts, Jim. He has an advantage with the height - doesn't look bad here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaCTXdvErRA but it doesn't always translate to the PL. Geoff, the pronunciation is in this vid, so you can start working on the song...
Will Mabon
15 Posted 07/08/2022 at 16:02:13
Andrew McLawrence
16 Posted 07/08/2022 at 16:15:15
Think Tosun went through this process. Tall, rangy, good goal ratio, prone to injury. And he worked out alright didn't he?

17 Posted 07/08/2022 at 16:40:07
Pretty good player with a good goalscoring record in Germany. Would be good cover for Calvert-Lewin. Obviously his height makes him a handful but quite technical and accomplished on the ball too.

He will hold up play and feed in runners too which is good for Gray, Alli and Gordon. Cheap because of his contract situation. Probably a good signing – just need to be sure he's fit.

On a different note but sort of related, two very good goals for Simms yesterday against Bristol City away. The first a nice accurate low shot from about 20-odd yards after Bristol lost possession.

The second was an accurate through the legs of the keeper shot after he made space for himself with a neat bit of footwork in the box.

Keep it up, Ellis.


18 Posted 07/08/2022 at 16:51:46
For some reason my name no longer appears by my comments. Any idea how to rectify?
Jeff Armstrong
19 Posted 07/08/2022 at 16:53:03
Log out, then log in, I believe works.
Jack Convery
20 Posted 07/08/2022 at 17:03:08
Super Kala he's fantastic Kenwright is atrocious - there's the first two lines anyway.
Mike Gaynes
21 Posted 07/08/2022 at 17:24:34
Mystery person #17,

Come on, man. I'm happy for Ellis, but both those goals were clear keeper blunders. He let the first one go under him and the second one went through his legs.

Against a quality Premier League keeper, neither of those shots goes in.

Phil (Kelsall) Roberts
22 Posted 07/08/2022 at 17:33:47
Is this guy the next Peter Crouch?
Soren Moyer
23 Posted 07/08/2022 at 17:34:39
23 goals in 54 apps is not bad at all.

I'd say get him as our main striker as his tally is better than Calvert-Lewin's!


24 Posted 07/08/2022 at 18:59:30
Mike # 21.

I'm Ellis Simms'Se mum and I thought they were cracking goals.

Robert Tressell really? I'll log out and back in again...

Annika Herbert
25 Posted 07/08/2022 at 19:25:03
I think you need to take another look at Simms' first goal for Sunderland, Mike @21. The shot doesn't go under the keeper at all. It's drilled past him and into the corner of the net.

You may well be right that a better keeper would save it but it's still a good goal in my opinion. I think the angle the goal is shown from makes it appear to go under the keeper. But looking at it more closely, it just bests him for pace.

Jamie Crowley
26 Posted 07/08/2022 at 19:47:46
My only question is how in the hell is this guy Austrian with a name like Saša Kalajdžić???

That screams Croatian, Serbian, Armenian, Albanian, Bosnian, or some such thing, no?

Austrian? Herr Saša?

Jamie Crowley
27 Posted 07/08/2022 at 19:54:11
That YouTube link is very encouraging (thank you, Will!) for one reason in my opinion.

The boy is very tall. But he has excellent command of his limbs and moves very athletically. It's not the super tall, lanky and awkward rambling about kind of movement he exhibits. He's dexterous and clearly "fits" his body and really athletic.

I like the look of the kid. YouTube, I know. But this is no Traore (our one game Moyes signing dude) or Crouch who looks to be too tall for their natural movements. This kid looks a fluid beast and also looks very quick for someone his stature.

I like it.

Robert Tressell
28 Posted 07/08/2022 at 20:10:22
Annika, I agree. I also think that, if you don't shoot, you don't score and he took the shot very confidently and very early.

I like Calvert-Lewin a lot but I don't think he'd have scored from that position.

Tony Everan
29 Posted 07/08/2022 at 20:23:53
He would be an interesting addition; also, it would cause a fair bit of height-based havoc from the bench every week if he wasn't starting the match.

It's a bit old-fashioned and anti-Pep but it often can help grab a scrappy late equaliser or winner. It's going to be a very exciting few days seeing who we can get in to get some goals.

Jay Harris
30 Posted 07/08/2022 at 20:38:36
Anonymous at 17,18 and 24 could I suggest you put your name in your posts then we would know who to rubbish and the site controllers might know who needs help. LOL
Jerome Shields
31 Posted 07/08/2022 at 21:17:36
Serhou Guirassy being touted as well. Very tall also. Apparently Frank was interested in him when at Chelsea. His agents are his relatives, about the same level as Everton's transfer team.

The Media is going to be sickening over Everton's obvious need for an emergency centre-forward.


Robert Tressell
32 Posted 07/08/2022 at 21:23:43
Jay, I am the mystery poster. All sorted now. Let the rubbishing of my comments (re)commence 👍
Tony Everan
33 Posted 07/08/2022 at 22:11:41
Brent 2, His neck is 3ft long, it's like a leg with a head attached to the end of it.

https://fr.besoccer.com/info/west-ham-veut-sasa-kalajdzic-965049

Brent Stephens
34 Posted 07/08/2022 at 22:25:13
Tony, it would bring a whole new meaning to "wind your neck in".
Denis Richardson
35 Posted 07/08/2022 at 22:36:57
This seems a bit desperate if true then I realised we are desperate!
Soren Moyer
36 Posted 07/08/2022 at 22:52:30
I reckon he'd be 7 feet tall by the time he is 25 then!
Ben Howard
37 Posted 07/08/2022 at 23:04:19
Will, I've got to say from the You Tube montage he looks very good. Technical, good movement and obvious attributes. Knowing our luck we'd sign him and the Premier League would immediately ban heading.
Bernie Quinn
38 Posted 07/08/2022 at 23:26:46
Seems like a decent punt - but Frank makes the decisions.
Jay Harris
39 Posted 07/08/2022 at 23:35:34
Robert,
Im so glad your posting got sorted out.

As one of the most informative posters on here your opinion is very valued, at least by me so I certainly wont be rubbishing you. LOL

Will Mabon
40 Posted 08/08/2022 at 00:07:12
Ben - definitely passes the Highlight Reel Test, particularly for a guy that size. However, those reels have bitten many times!

The position we are in means we may have to resort to stop-gap activity if no-one longer term is available or affordable... so who knows.

Brian Wilkinson
41 Posted 08/08/2022 at 01:01:01
Only rumours but the guy at the game seems spot on at the mo with Onana and Gueye and Coady coming in and he reckons Broja will be with us by next Wednesday.

That was the gossip I got told at the match yesterday.

Lester Yip
42 Posted 08/08/2022 at 05:42:25
Thanks for the Youtube video. He looks good. Surprisingly good technique and movements given the height.

He would provide good competition to Calvert-Lewin.

John Kavanagh
43 Posted 08/08/2022 at 09:44:10
Kalajdžić or Broja would be excellent signings given our limited budget. Need one or the other in the middle by next Saturday, but this means the new improved pragmatic Blue Bill getting his arse into gear this week.

Any sign of Gana yet? Last I heard was that Pragmatic Bill was handling all the arrangements and that he is on his way. Apparently paddling like hell in his punctured inflatable canoe but is now in sight of Dover.

Colin Glassar
44 Posted 08/08/2022 at 09:49:22
I'd sign him just cos he's got a cool sounding name.
Brian Harrison
45 Posted 08/08/2022 at 09:58:12
Obviously everybody knows we are desperate for a striker so I guess the press will be throwing all sorts of strikers' names into the hat.

The rumours a few weeks back were about us trying to do a deal over Cornet but we couldn't get agreement on the fee. There was also talk about Dennis at Watford but nothing seemed to happen on that front either.

Listening to Lampard he is desperate to get a striker in, but I do wonder if he was so determined to get Broja he was prepared to wait to the last minute to get him. There is no doubt he looks a fine prospect but when West Ham agreed a fee for him a couple of weeks back, and he agreed to join them only for the deal to fall through because West Ham wouldn't meet his wage demands, surely that was the time to walk away.

So now we were in a poor position when we sold Richarlison and then to compound the problem Calvert-Lewin picked up an injury that is expected to keep him out for 6 weeks, but will probably be another couple more weeks before he is match-fit.

Now how does a club bring in possibly 5 new players and Not 1 is a striker is verging on the unbelievable but sadly that's were we are. Surely whatever money we had to spend should have been spent on a couple of strikers before any other position.

Len Hawkins
46 Posted 08/08/2022 at 10:52:45
Here's one for the oldies: We need a cross between Twizzle and Inspector Gadget anything between 5'-8" and 9'-6"!!!
Kim Vivian
48 Posted 08/08/2022 at 11:40:06
If there's genuinely any mileage in this, he looks a useful addition if we can get him.

Doesn't look like a giraffe when he's mobile (Mina), and interesting reading the comments section below the YouTube clip. Most seem to approve and the Chavs seemed to like him as an alternative to Haaland ("...if that doesn't work out"...!!)

I would deffo like to see him here if Frank's keen.

Julian Exshaw
49 Posted 08/08/2022 at 13:38:29
I'd buy him for the name alone!
Jamie Crowley
50 Posted 08/08/2022 at 15:16:52
So I watched YouTube montages of Sasa and Broja last night.

Honestly, based upon what I saw (yes, yes, YouTube...) I liked the look of this kid miles more than Broja. I will say Broja looked strong on the ball though, and I'm sure he's one hell of a prospect too.

I wouldn't base a transfer policy off 7- to 8-minute YouTube clips!!! All I'm saying is that I really, really like the look of this kid and would be very pleased if we signed him.

I hope there's some legitimacy to these rumo(u)rs.

Justin Doone
51 Posted 08/08/2022 at 16:00:17
I've seen Broja and, although I can see potential, I'm not convinced the lad is all that.

I know nothing about Sasa so can't comment on him.

Broja looks to be a striker and, for me, a striker should be a goalscorer and he's scored very few goals.

My concern is that Dom is not a natural striker and neither is Broja. I'd be looking to upgrade on Dom with a goalscorer, not a similar understudy.

I'd be happy with a loan or loan with option to buy but certainly wouldn't be willing to over pay in transfer fee or salary.

Richarlison was a proven, hard-working, modern forward who could play all across the front and score goals. Sold for 㿨M.

I feel Broja would be overpriced at around 㿔M. Try before we buy!

Jamie Crowley
52 Posted 08/08/2022 at 16:27:35
Justin,

On one of the YouTube highlights, I saw Broja miss chances multiple times.

Didn't fill me with confidence.

Niall McIlhone
53 Posted 08/08/2022 at 17:56:23
I would think the lad might struggle with the tiny dressing rooms at Goodison, as will Onana.

54 Posted 08/08/2022 at 18:37:02
Brian @45.

I believe that our priorities were to sure up a shocking defence and reinforce the midfield. If you don't concede so many goals, you don't need to score as many.

Yes, we know we need more goals but now hopefully with the 2 midfielders coming and Coady, we have significantly strengthened the team.

Strikers and goal getters are the most difficult to sign so I think they have their targets and personally I'm willing to trust Frank and Kev having seen the business they are doing.

All the negativity about us not getting people a couple of weeks ago just shows that people have no patience. They are proving the doubters wrong with some decent business on decent terms for the club but they won't please everyone. When they do sign a striker, it's not going to please everyone.

Jim Lloyd
55 Posted 08/08/2022 at 18:43:02
Justin,

I agree with you about looking for a goalscorer. If you've seen Broja (and reckon he hasn't scored many goals) then I go along with you, try before you buy.

We need a good goalscoring forward. The last one we had was Lukaku. Mind you! Finding one who is remotely in our price range, is another matter.

Robert Tressell
56 Posted 08/08/2022 at 22:52:28
The strikers getting linked most regularly are Kalajdzic, Ajorque, Kalimuendo and Broja.

The former two are giants but quite technical. Kalimuendo is smaller and pacy. Broja is somewhere between the two.

It might just come down to who is available but I'd rather one of Kalimuendo or Broja if possible.

Broja hasn't scored lots yet but he's very young (younger than Simms) and has a very creditable return when compared with peers across Europe – more so given the Prem is such a tough league.

Mike Gaynes
57 Posted 08/08/2022 at 23:08:08
I'd sign Kalimuendo on his name alone. It's absolute poetry. Sounds like a lost ocean planet filled with mermaids.

Ray Roche
58 Posted 08/08/2022 at 23:16:37
Have you been snorting again Mike?
Robert Tressell
59 Posted 08/08/2022 at 23:20:57
Bill Kenwright is rushing the deal through as we speak, Mike, on the condition he has turn your idea into a new musical.

Kalimuendo: Avatar meets the Lion King — starring Claire Sweeney as the Queen of the Inter-Galactic mermaids.

Chelsea said to be disappointed to be rebuffed in their counter-proposal of Blood Brojas.

Mike Gaynes
60 Posted 08/08/2022 at 23:27:07
Just high on life, Ray.

Robert, that's one of your best lines.

James Marshall
61 Posted 09/08/2022 at 09:25:18
The name being bandied around the Internet this morning is Serhou Guirassy. All 6'-7" of him. Obviously he looks like a world beater on YouTube but could easily end up a panel beater at Everton.

Watch this space...

Mark Murphy
62 Posted 09/08/2022 at 09:33:39
Sorry, just catching up, but what is a Bin Pole??
Tony Everan
63 Posted 09/08/2022 at 09:34:03
Robert,

It looks like those four are the ones under consideration, possibly with the addition of Guirassy from Rennes. Again a tallish target player 6ft-2in and I read Frank was monitoring him whilst at Chelsea. Looks more of a support striker profile than a challenger to be No 1 but you never know.

A different profile is the young Senegalese Marseille player Dieng. We were rumoured also to be looking at him. The next Sadie Mane is the lazy tag attached to him. There seems to be a lot of clubs interested. With Gana and the Senegal-born Onana joining, there may just be a possibility he would be interested. Like Broja comes into the young with massive potential category, an expensive but educated risk.

What do you think of this player?

Brian Harrison
64 Posted 09/08/2022 at 09:45:52
I really hoped it would be Broja but, with Tutchell bringing him on as sub on Saturday, it looks very unlikely he will let him go. I know they accepted West Ham's offer for him a few weeks back but couldn't agree personal terms, surely that was the time for us to offer the same as West Ham as it seems Lampard really wanted him?

Maybe Lampard is hoping Chelsea sign a couple of forwards now they have let Werner go to Leipzig. Seeing Lampard signed Werner for Chelsea, I wonder did he consider putting a bid in for him?

Laurie Hartley
65 Posted 09/08/2022 at 09:46:14
@ 58 - classic Roche🤣

Jamie @ 50 - don't big him up too much, you might alert the Hammers or Barcodes.

Peter Hodgson
66 Posted 09/08/2022 at 15:02:53
If we are looking for a striker, we have only got one place to start in my opinion. Whoever we consider needs to have a pedigree in being able to score goals.

No good whatsoever in telling ourselves, and everybody else, that the person has got potential to do that. With a potential foreign recruit, it is even more essential as he would need to have that experience and confidence behind him as he would be moving to a new, harsher, league. No more Ross Barkley types required who have potential that is never realised.

Therefore, of the current media candidates before us, there is only one of them that should interest us and that is Sasa Kalajdzic.

Yes, he suffered a disappointing season last time with a shoulder injury and still scored the same number of goals as Richarlison but the season before he managed 16. He also has youth and height on his side. He also looks a very handy and well-balanced individual young man, which is another virtue for someone so tall. and because he is in the final year of his contract at Strasbourg, the price look right. Need to have a stringent medical as we don't want another sick note under any circumstances.

If the medics are satisfied, then go for it, I say.

Steve Shave
67 Posted 09/08/2022 at 15:32:07
Peter @66,

I hear what you are saying re: Sasa Kalajdzic, I think he is the pick of the bunch we are linked with; however, I worry about injuries. If you look at his injury record, it's not fantastic and we must sign players who can stay fit.

You are right, a shoulder injury kept him out of a lot of last season. The lad has goals in him for sure and he's in the last year of his contract. I would be happy if we signed him but over the moon if we got Belotti on a free for around 㿷k a week.

I have wanted us to sign him for years, my favourite player from Serie A and a few years ago was worth 㿞M. He is 28 but a 3-year contract would be fine surely? I think Calvert-Lewin would struggle to get back in the team.

We seem to be getting linked to very big strikers, the big man from Strasbourg, 6ft-6in, Sasa Kalajdzic, 6ft-7in, and Guirassy from Rennes, 6ft-7in (also from Senegal so could help Onana settle). Interesting. The lad from Rennes is the most mobile it seems, an underrated player who is hitting peak form apparently.

I've been researching strikers instead of working, lots of options in France. Robert mentioned a lad from Montpellier a couple of weeks ago called Wahi, different sort of striker (not unlike Dieng from Marseille) shorter, more mobile and athletic. Really like the look of Wahi.

Whoever it will be I hope it is soon. I am starting to feel really optimistic for the season and I hope the club and fans stay behind Frank. I would be happy with mid-table and signs of growth.

Alan J Thompson
68 Posted 09/08/2022 at 16:14:50
Do Senegal qualify for the African Cup Finals very often and need we fear Ramadan?
Peter Hodgson
69 Posted 09/08/2022 at 16:53:02
Steve @67,

I am as worried as you sound to be about Calvert-Lewin, his current injury, and when or if he will return to being a non-injury-prone cenre-forward and be in a position to turn out for us on a regular basis and provide a goal scorer's true contribution for the team.

He has obviously found it hard to do recently following his injury and I worry that he won't get his mojo back anytime soon. I hope I am wrong but that sort of thing means we need someone to come in and hit the ground running as I also agree with you that we stand a chance with what we have done so far of having a decent season as long as we are able to get some early momentum.

I also worry that we will miss whichever boat we are aiming for if we dilly dally too much with our chosen striker which will be easy to do as the end of the window gets nearer. We need to get on with it once the "chosen one" has been identified.

John Keating
70 Posted 09/08/2022 at 17:26:24
Rather this guy than the Rennes striker Serhad Guissery, or whatever his name is?

We can be fairly confident Sasa is indeed 25 years old.

Serhad on the other hand is apparently 26, however, he looks the same age as Yakubu, when he retired.

Peter Hodgson
71 Posted 09/08/2022 at 18:40:26
It isn't a proper copy.

It only accepts the original paras later afterwards...

What is going on?

Robert Tressell
72 Posted 09/08/2022 at 20:33:06
Tony,

From what I've seen of Dieng, he is a very mediocre player and not really a centre-forward either. There are loads of players just like him in France: fast, erratic, not much end product (albeit score a cracker now and again).

Guirassy is also very average. Not sure why some posters think he's 6ft-7in either – he's not. He's 6ft-2in.

Steve: Wahi really does have talent. He's a different level to Dieng and Guirassy but is young and would need patience.

Guirassy is probably more mature and would do the boring things better that often go unnoticed.


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