Everton are reportedly interested in Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose but he would cost a huge fee despite being far from prolific.
Real Sociedad’s Willian Jose bullied Barcelona in December but remains an inconsistent goalscorer
If you want a perfect example of the premium Premier League clubs are forced to pay to lure their top targets, look no further than the price tag Real Sociedad put on the head of Willian Jose when Everton reportedly came knocking.
The Daily Mail reported in April that the Toffees were considering equalling their transfer record with a £28 million bid for the Brazilian hit man. The report added that director of football Steve Walsh had met with La Real’s representatives to structure a deal.
However, while Jose is a decent striker, a player with the physicality to adapt to the Premier League with few problems, there is little reason to suggest he is worth such a monstrous fee. In fact, if you halved his reported price tag, you’d probably be far closer to his actual value.
After all, Jose netted a respectable 12 La Liga goals last season to help a Real Sociedad side revived post-Moyes finish an impressive sixth place. He also struck ten times for newly promoted Las Palmas the season before.
Nonetheless, these are hardly the kind of figures which justify breaking a club transfer record for – even if Romelu Lukaku’s expected departure means Everton should have plenty of funds to throw around this summer.
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Furthermore, Jose’s form in the second half of the La Liga season may also ring a few alarm bells. Since inspiring a 3-2 win against Valencia with a Man of the Match, two goal display in January, the 25-year-old netted just three goals in 14 games.
For £28 million, Everton would want a more reliable centre forward less prone to long goal droughts.
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