Everton are ‘very interested’ in Jonathan David

A player who was obviously going to go on to better things when playing in Belgium. He'd be a good signing but is not a target man.

I do think we should be trying to sign these players at source – like Atalanta, Lille, Frankfurt and other astute buying clubs though.

Robert, while it is a dream to unearth an unpolished diamond and develop them into a £50M footballer, every club has this ambition, but it doesn't always work out.

For every Jonathan David that a club finds, there are countless Shani Tarashaj and Leandro Rodriguez types. I have to laugh when I read on here that only Everton get it wrong. We only hear about the successes of other clubs. We never hear about their punts that missed.

Stones, Rodwell, picked up for a song moved on for big money? Sometimes you win a coconut. Sometimes you have to go out and buy a Bounty.

I still think we should be looking into the USA market.

MLS and the likes have improved and have quite a few homegrown players playing for them, with youngsters coming through the ranks.

What you get is players committed, hard effort and not prima donnas looking for cheap fouls and faking injuries to gain a free-kick.

There must be some hidden gems among them, get in early, and strike while the iron is hot, before the greedy 6 cotton on.

Any of our American cousins got any players worth having a look at?

Martin, I don't believe for a minute that only Everton get this wrong but we stand out in the Premier League (along with Man Utd) as having had a truly atrocious recruitment (non-)strategy for many years. I don't think anyone really believes otherwise, do they?

In particular, we buy a very unusually high volume from other Premier League clubs. The Premier League is the worst value market in world football by some distance.

I did an article recently (air blocker filter man) showing how Arsenal have strategically bought to develop their now excellent squad.

Previous articles analysed how Seville, Villarreal and Frankfurt have all had Europa League success through building squads with limited budgets.

This is not "you win some, you lose some" stuff, this is strategic thinking, shopping in particular markets, shopping for particular profiles of players, etc etc.

We have, as you point out, done okay with lower league youth. But what use have we made of Belgium, Portugal, Austria, Scandinavia, the MLS, South America etc etc?

Brighton have been doing just that and have risen from obscurity to currently sitting above us (and the RS) in the Premier League table.

The longer we wait our turn without a strategy, the more we'll be overtaken by lesser clubs with a good strategy.

Seems a good player. Everytime Lille score it seems to be him. Who knows after Onana and Gomes. Hopefully Onana shouts highly about the club and maybe we can include Gomes in a transfer deal.

As far as I know, Lille need the money and he is certainly going to get better and better. Only issue will be if he has a stormer of a World Cup. Puts his stock higher and allows for more suitors.

Brian #3,

I posted the other day on a different thread that there are two young 18-goal scorers in MLS whom we should consider for the January window, Jesus Ferreira and Brenner. Ferreira is the possible US starting striker in Qatar. Brenner is not an international for Brazil.

Either one would cost less than half of David's £45M price tag, which may be even higher after the World Cup.

Sounds a hot property and his form is terrific.

It's good that we are linked with this profile of player but we need to be finding them before they are valued at £45M. Especially if they are not bought as an intended first choice, but as a back-up and a challenger to Calvert-Lewin.

Anyone who comes to us for £45M won't be happy sitting on the bench all winter getting a pile-infested arse.

Tony,

Jonathan David is really good. He would not be sitting on anybody's bench. He would start upfront alongside Calvert-Lewin, likely at the expense of Gray or maybe Gordon.

I must have missed that, Mike, cheers for the heads up.

Will have a look out for the two players you mentioned, which MLS teams are they playing for?

Martin @2,

I think there is a big difference between Jonathan David and the young uncut players "Shani Tarashaj and Leandro Rodriguez" you mentioned.

Obviously now but I think Rob is referring to the types of players who are clearly going somewhere but need a club to take a punt on them.

These players are around in Belgium (Dennis and Trossard being good examples in the Premier League, Doku went to Germany and has done well), Scandinavia and France. They cost money so there is an element of risk as to whether they will cut it in the Premier League but there is a clear crop who get picked up by these astute buying clubs who turn them around quickly, à la Frankfurt and Lille.

I personally think we should be following the Dortmund model more, spend more to make more, re-use the profit and reinvest whilst improving the team.

It's okay, Mike, found them: FC Dallas and FC Cincinnati.

Brian, you can catch them both on TV this week if you're in the US.

Ferreira plays for Dallas, which has a playoff game Saturday.

Brenner plays for Cincinnati and will start their playoff game Thursday against Philadelphia -- which has a young midfielder Everton might consider for our U21s, Paxten Aaronson, younger and more talented brother of USA international Brenden Aaronson of Leeds.

Cheers for that Mike, will have a look out for both games, I am in the uk, but will find them somewhere on the firestick.

Found the Dallas v Austin semi fixture, coming up as 1am Monday.

Sounds like some middle-of-the-road, cheesy pop singer.

And now we have Jonathan David with his latest hit, Love Is In The Air...

Silly rumours starting early.

Yes let's compete with the best clubs in Europe and sign lots of young players on big salaries for potential based on… [blank].

Do we have any scout's based in Africa? We had Pienaar, we had sponsorship and we have been on tour to a continent that continues to churn out world class players.

Just a thought and genuine question.

A while back I suggested that we should go for an 18-year-old Alphonso Davies. That suggestion was knocked back by many of the ITK's on here.

“He's MLS and he's Canadian.“ He's now the world 11 left back at Bayern.

Jonathan David is also Canadian and very good. He won't be cheap, but would solve a lot of the problems we have up front.

Getting him to come to EFC will be difficult if not impossible.

I have always believed in getting players 'before they hit the big time' as opposed to paying megabucks for one who allegedly has, but then turns out to be a flop.

I know it's not that easy, but it does reflect on the talent spotters we have in our network, hitherto, 'not up to scratch, or worth a blow on the ragman's trumpet'.

I like the sound of those suggested by Mike G, who, personally, I haven't heard of before, and as Mike says would cost a lot less. Paying Megabucks sometimes works for other teams but rarely for us.

They mostly take the Easy Street attitude, knowing that, even if they play shit, they have a 4-year contrick on guaranteed wonga!

What about visas? Now that we're not in the EU, isn't it more difficult to bring in European youngsters who haven't yet made the grade?

Also, would the MLS guys be able to get visas?

While it's great to discover kids, if we can't sign them until they have done something, we still pay big prices.

How do we or other clubs get round that now?

Jonathan David is probably the best player in North America which includes Mexico and all my favorite American players. He is incredibly fast and I mean very fast – easily the fastest. He is the main reason why Canada (Canada!) is at the top of the World Cup qualifying table for Concacaf.

He would immediately be our best outfield player. He is easily better than Gordon and Gray – by a mile. 67 goals in 146 club games and 22 goals in 34 for Canada. He is a player every team plans around.

I agree with everyone who said we need to find these players sooner. Unfortunately, our club does not have a large analytics or scouting department. Our club is not equipped systematically to find these players early enough.

Since the wonderful Brexit event, access to the UK for overseas players has significantly tightened, so unless you're an established international playing in a country ranked 50th or higher, then it's much harder to get a visa:

The Foreigner Debate: The FA's New Work Permit Regulations Explained

Michael 29.

If this kid is as good as you're saying, I can't see him entertaining Everton. I personally know zilch about him but he's got a great goalscoring record so far.

I'll get on the tried and tested YouTube in a minute and see what all the fuss is about. Like I did with Niasse etc.

If he's any good in the World Cup, someone else will buy him. Too late as usual.

I see Jerry Yates is at again!

Sign him up in January.

We could have got Jonathan David easily 2 or 3 seasons ago. We could still have got him last summer for maybe around £30m. Now he is on absolute fire and will be costing nearer £50m next summer which is more than we can afford on one player.

Need to find the next Jonathan David, which of course is hard to do.

Mike Tresor is the current star of the Belgian league, with 5 goals and 8 assists in 13 matches. Could be a talent though maybe not on the David level. Someone like Nusa at Brugges is a talent who could go to the very top, but has a lot more developing to do.

I like France as a shopping spot and Le Fee, Outtara, Tete, Moffi and Wahi are all young attacking players who could add something.

Sam, again I bow to your knowledge of these players who you have obviously spotted in some capacity, while I and assume many others have never even heard of them.

Definitely though the right sort of market we should be looking at, to avoid another 'fleece' or over-hyped, over-priced flop.

How big is our sofa ?

We seem to be finding money down the back of it !

If you are looking at young cheap exciting Canadian players: Tajon Buchanan.

Craig, Buchanan played pretty well against Atletico this month in the CL and has sometimes shown well for Canada, but I'm not sure I'd go quite so far as "exciting" on him. The younger, stronger Ismael Kone impresses me more as an inexpensive prospect for us.

Sam #25, our last shopping trip to France went great, didn't it?

Mike, yes, we were shopping in quite a high-end store but still think we got decent value. And something that should last a long while, unless we sell for profit.

Definitely bargains to be had in France and players from Ligue 1 seems to have the best chance of adapting quick compared to other leagues (other than the Championship perhaps).

Agree with Steve Shave on this.
German clubs see players differently to us here in England. Players there are seen as the commodity that keeps the clubs financially stable. They don't have the same income from tv money as premier league clubs, so buying, developing & selling for big profits is how they operate.
Buying 45m stiker sounds good but it's not where Everton are at right now. Unless they can structure it like the Onana deal, which is unlikely with the world cup coming this guy may have a long queue waiting for him.
The German clubs have no qualms about selling there talent and reinvesting in more talent. Its what IMO we should have done with the Gordon bid from Chelsea.
Let's hope Thelwell has some different ideas for the long term, utilising the South American, Scandinavian, MLS, Portugal etc

Know nothing about this lad.

Can he play all across the front 3?

Having someone that can effectively play wide and central is an incredibly useful option to have and one we miss post Richarlison.

Bobby @32,

Yes, he can play anywhere across the front line. He would represent an exciting signing but I think is beyond us now financially. It's frustrating as mentioned above by various posters.

He was always very likely to make it, this lad, and it's really only a matter of which of the usual suspects is willing and able to shell out the readies at the time. Once again, Lille have done so and, once again, they stand to make an absolute fortune on him.

We really should be ahead of these teams who do it time and time again. Yes, the Premier League is a different animal but this lad is a huge talent and it was obvious to many he was a cut above in Belgium at the time. Doku is another good example of this, another player now beyond our means.

I agree wholeheartedly with you, Bobby, that this sort of versatility is what we need to keep Calvert-Lewin, Maupay, Gray and Gordon on their toes. A player who could replace any of them, Pedro from Watford is a much cheaper and more raw alternative.

I read today that Gapko might have to be sold on the cheap for £25M, do you think they'll take Gray as part of the deal? ;) I jest as swap deals never seem to happen these days but make sense to all of us who play football manager! Gray gets Champions League football and we get a fantastic goalscoring attacker. Gray is much improved but he is not that sadly.

Steve (33),

You may be right about lack of funds but what about proceeds from Kean and/or possible Gordon sales?

One for Paul the Esk, I suppose...

I expect David will be sold for anywhere between about £35M and £45M. He will also be looking for a club in the Champions League. That probably does put us out of contention.

I suspect that Joao Pedro will not be a great deal cheaper. Probably £25M to £35M for someone with 4 goals in 13 games in the Championship.

As ever, there are plenty of options in the sub-£20M price range which is really where we should be looking.

Given that the squad is now pretty strong, we can afford to speculate on youth and potential. They won't all work out but that's the only way we'll get hold of players materially better than Maupay and even Calvert-Lewin.

I'd rather us go for the lad at Blackpool...

Jerry Yates is simply on fire at the moment. A two-footed striker who is also good in the air, only 25, he, is in the North-West already and wouldn't put a dent in Moshiri's bank balance neither.

Go for it, Moshiri!

Maybe this fella would have given us the ‘cutting edge' lacking right now. He seems to be doing quite well at City…(22.58 mins in…worth a listen!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ph1l1gHPKYw

Yes, let's spunk our money on another prolific player in the French league! 🤬

I read that Arsenal and Spurs are now thinking of making a move for this guy. May be bollocks but there is presumably something there potential-wise.

Mike G (6)
Good shout that, I'm new on here btw!
I have commented in the past, but I rarely see TW outlets so I don't get the chance to comment!
The MLS could be a great market your right!
I'm still numb after the defeat last night, 5 at the back & 11 changes was madness! I hope Davies and Holgate never play for us ever again! And Gordon needs benching or sell him!

Wasn't sure where to post this... a mate's just told me of an Instagram post where Duncan Ferguson tells a female present that Erling Haaland's dad, when the now City player was about 15-16, took him along to Everton. According to Dunc, the club that Erling was then with wanted a couple of million quid for him - and Everton baulked at that!!!

Martin (2),

Rodwell wasn't bought from anyone – he came through Everton's Academy.

He didn't do much for me last night.

Showed potential. Had 7 shots, the most of anyone in the game but failed to deliver

Based on what I saw in his last World Cup outing, there is nothing to get excited about. He isn't a striker anyway, and that is what we are desperate for, so no thank you.

Just as interesting and telling – Onana started for Belgium and, true to form, was given a yellow within 15 minutes or so for a rash challenge. He has got potential but must grow up and stop getting these yellows. He probably is already noted in the refs' 'watch for' book as he is making a habit of it.

Everton reportedly looking at a young Colombian striker in the MLS DJon Duran, Mike is he any good? Looks raw from footage but big strong striker with a bag of potential and a turn of pace.

Craig David wouldn't even touch us

What's the verdict on this player after his showing in the World Cup? I've only watched one of their games and he didn't particularly stand out. I'm thinking he's finding it harder with the mostly lower quality of players surrounding him.

His stock may have fallen a bit on the back of this and if we were genuinely interested maybe more of an opportunity to sign him? Interested to hear what Mike and others think who have followed his progress.

Andrew # 48, Craig David is fine Monday to Saturday but loses focus for Sunday fixtures.

Tony # 49, I don't think Jonathan David is the player we need. We need someone taller who can lead the line and be a focal point for crosses. I think that's why he struggled to make an impression for Canada. I had hoped we might get Cyle Larin on a free over last summer but he went to get more guaranteed first team football in Belgium

Robert, what do you think of Beto, at Udinese. He is 6ft 4 and 24 years old. 6 goals in 15 this season so not prolific but it’s enough for us to be interested. Last season 11 goals in 28 Serie A games . The rumours seem to be escalating about him .

Tony, I haven't seen Beto for a while but he's got the right physical attributes. He's no Haaland and we'd probably overpay to get him in Jan but it would give us the focal point we need.

Whether he's actually better than the likes of Origi I'm not sure, but we are pretty desperate.

Boulaye Dia is also getting linked. Again not a brilliant player by any stretch but would make a difference.

I like the look of Onuachu in Belgium who deserves a chance to step up. More prolific but not yet played in a high quality league.

I've just seen that Nottingham Forest have signed (yet another player) Gustavo Scarpa.

They guy is 28, and was the best player in the Brazilian Serie A (Brasileirão) and also excellent in the Libertadores. Goals and Assists and can play across the pitch in attacking midfield. He's been signed on a free transfer.

No guarantee he'll adapt. And maybe he'll struggle to step up. But surely he'd have been worth a punt on a free in a position where we are desperately weak.

The guy had double figures in both goals and assists this season (league not long finished in Brazil). Bit of a late developer but has been getting better and better over last few seasons, in which Palmeiras (who happen to be my team in Brazil) have been completely dominant winning 2 league titles, 2 Libertadores (South American Champions League), and one Brazilian Cup in his 4 years.

I know this won't be popular but to get us through till the summer I'd try and get Ronaldo. Still a goal threat at his age, knows the Premier League, available on a free and lived just down the road.