Koln talisman Anthony Modeste has plundered 23 Bundesliga goals this season – but would put a severe dent in Everton or West Ham’s transfer kitty.
If you’re going by pure statistics, it makes perfect sense for Anthony Modeste to be on the shortlist of potential Romelu Lukaku replacements at Everton. The Frenchman has spearheaded one of the most memorable seasons in the history of Bundesliga regulars FC Koln, his 23 league goals just one short of The Toffees’ Belgian battering ram.
Yet, there’s two other rather large numbers that make the prospect of Modeste earning a second stab in English football somewhat unlikely. Firstly, the one-time Blackburn Rovers loanee is 29 years of age. And, secondly, Bild claim that it may cost £33 million to lure him from North Rhine-Westphalia.
Nonetheless, BetVictor have made Everton 3/1 favourites to bring Modeste to the Premier League this summer.
However, despite billionaire owner Farhad Moshiri giving the club unprecedented financial backing, and a potentially world-record windfall coming from Lukaku’s potential departure, it appears unlikely that Everton would smash their transfer record for a player who would turn 30 before the end of his debut season.
West Ham, mentioned by Bild as potential suitors, would also be taking a risk despite concerns over the fitness of both Andy Carroll and Diafra Sakho. The club’s owners have been frequently accused of wasting funds, especially on strikers, and a £33 million bid would equal the amount they reportedly offered for the likes of Carlos Bacca and Alexandre Lacazette last summer.
Though this is not to say Modeste is unworthy of such a price tag. The former Bordeaux forward has been simply unstoppable at times this season. And he’s hardly a limited poacher either. From lethal long-range hits to volleys straight out of Zlatan’s playbook, Modeste would be a worthy winner of the Bundesliga’s Player of the Year award.
Yet, his advancing years and a rather daunting price tag could mean Everton and West Ham would have second thoughts, regardless of how desperate they are for attacking reinforcements.
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