Everton have confirmed the signing of Henry Onyekuru.
The 20-year-old Nigerian striker finished last season as the joint leading scorer in the Belgian Super League with 22 goals in 38 games, showing form which attracted the attention of a number of top clubs across Europe.
Arsenal had been regarded as leading the chase for the 20-year-old but Everton trumped them all by negotiating a deal with the player’s club KAS Eupen that will see Onyekuru spend a season on loan with Anderlecht before coming to the Premier League.
Everton consider a season spent with Anderlecht, who will be playing in the Champions League, will be significant for Onyekuru’s development and he will arrive at Goodison Park in 12 months.
Everton's new signing Henry Onyekuru is some talent. The 20-year-old Nigerian was the joint top scorer in Belgium last year (22 goals) ?? pic.twitter.com/oDNqCsjqcX
— Footie Stuffs (@FootieStuffs) June 27, 2017
Player Profile via Tom Ferguson
Despite only just turning 20 in early June, Henry Onyekuru well and truly established himself in KAS Eupen’s side.
At that age, he certainly fits the requirements for this team built for the long term Ronald Koeman is putting together.
A bit part role in his first season, but he still managed to chip in with six goals on Eupen’s way to promotion to Belgium’s top flight.
It was his second campaign he really took centre stage. He thrived being the main man in the big league. No player bettered the 22 league goals Onyekuru managed in the 2016/17 campaign.
Onyekuru is 5ft9, can operate right at the pinnacle of the attack as well supporting on either wing. Bundles of pace to get past anyone in his way, immense dribbling expertise and he knows exactly where the net is.
Picking up his maiden cap for his country despite not making a single appearance for a youth side is quite an achievement for the young man.
A long Super Eagles career is on the horizon.
Like most youngsters, Onyekuru is often guilty of trying just that little bit too hard to impress and ends up over playing when it is not necessary.
A potential bad trait burdening Onyekuru’s shoulders could be attitude problems. With the then teenager going on strike when his club refused to cash in on the Nigerian in the winter transfer window.
If anyone can drill that out of him, no nonsense Koeman can.
In what has been a short career, Henry has managed to make 60 appearances for Eupen and has scored a more than exceptional 30 goals in that time.
A buy out clause rumoured to be around the £7 million mark, Onyekuru is a no risk investment. Today’s market would see the Blues struggle to make a loss on such a fee.
Up the Toffees.