Everton may now target 40-goal striker this summer, he would be ‘pumped up’ by Premier League transfer

Everton may now target Kenyan centre-forward Michael Olunga this summer, following a 40-goal season for the 29-year-old.

A relatively unknown talent, Olunga would be a left field signing by Sean Dyche’s side, but according to the Liverpool Echo, his name has been mentioned as a potential recruit.

The Toffees struggled for goals throughout the campaign, scoring a meagre 34 times in the Premier League, and there is no doubt of the need to strengthen in attack.

With what is likely to be a limited transfer kitty, Everton will explore the loan market as well as taking advantage of players who become available on a free transfer.

Indeed, with Olunga’s current deal with Qatari side Al-Dulhail due to expire at the end of June, he could become a target for Everton.

However, at 29-years-old, the forward has had something of a journeyman career, playing in Sweden, China, Spain, Japan and Qatar, as well as his native Kenya.

Speaking with the Liverpool Echo, Nairobi-based journalist David Kwalimwa said of the forward: “Should the move to Everton happen, he will be pumped up to deliver as almost all Kenyans watch the competition week in week out.

His experience in La Liga, physical frame and goal scoring record suggests he can cope with the demands of the competition.”

Everton need attacking options, but Olunga is unlikely to be the answer

Olunga has scored goals throughout his eclectic career, and during his time in Qatar the striker has scored 20, 30 and now 40 goals over the last three seasons.

Obviously, replicating such form in the Premier League would be improbable to say the least given the fact that the leagues that Olunga has competed in are of a lesser standard to the English top-flight.

A brief loan spell for Girona in La Liga would be the only comparable division that the Kenyan has played in, where he scored three goals in 14 games – all of which came in the same fixture in a 22-minute hattrick against Las Palmas.

Everton cannot afford to repeat the transfer mistakes of years gone by this summer, such as last season’s £15m faux pas Neal Maupay.

The club have played fast and loose with Everton’s fortunes for years now, and recruiting well in attack is an absolute must this summer.