Kostas Mitroglou failed to score a goal for Fulham but his prolific form at Benfica has reportedly piqued Everton’s interest.
The summer transfer window is being almost universally considered as a major success for Everton. However, if The Toffees do not find a striker to replace Romelu Lukaku before the transfer window slams shut, Ronald Koeman’s side wouldn’t look any closer to breaking into the top four.
Big-name targets like Olivier Giroud and Diego Costa appear to have slipped through Everton’s grasp and reports in the Watford Observer on Tuesday that they have turned their attention towards Stefano Okaka reek of desperation.
You could argue the same about reports in Portuguese publication Diaro de Noticas that Everton are plotting an eleventh hour swoop for Benfica forward Kostas Mitroglou, he of Fulham flopping fame.
The Greek international was one of the hottest strikers on the continent after a prolific start to the 2013/14 season, scoring 17 goals in 19 games in all competitions to convince Fulham to part with £12 million to bring him to England, per The Independent.
Three appearances and no goals later, however, Mitroglou returned to Olympiakos on loan with his reputation in tatters. Though that’s not exactly fair.
After all, he struggled with injury in England and thus failed to win over the derided Fulham boss Felix Magath. Furthermore, since leaving Craven Cottage, he has rediscovered that Golden Touch. Since joining Benfica two years ago, Mitroglou has plundered 36 goals in 59 games to fire them to successive league titles.
Nonetheless, his previous spell in England means reports that Everton could move for the £23 million-rated striker will raise plenty of eyebrows.
However, while the report claims Mitroglou is not Everton’s first choice target, his scoring record in Portugal and Greece suggests he should not be written off on the back of six injury-ridden months in England.
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