Everton have reportedly expressed an interest in Club Brugge’s Dutch international Noa Lang, with the Belgian outfit slapping a £35 million price tag on the 23-year-old.
Now in his third year at Brugge, Lang’s breakthrough has caught the eye of many clubs throughout Europe, with the Dutch winger on the radar of both Everton and Aston Villa, while Ligue 1 side Monaco are also keen.
A versatile forward who can play on either wing or as a second striker, Lang’s speed and quick feet have seen him compared to 2022 World Cup winner Lionel Messi, picking up a Player of the Match award in Club Brugge’s September 2021 win over PSG, his performance outshining not only the Argentine, but Kylian Mbappe and Neymar as well.
However, it was a display that would not have surprised those who have followed Lang’s progress since the prodigious talent made his initial season-long loan at the Jan Breydel Stadium from Dutch giants Ajax, a move that was subsequently made permanent in the summer of 2021.
Winning the Belgian First Division in his debut season at Brugge, Lang was involved in 28 goal contributions throughout the title winning campaign, scoring 17 goals, and adding 11 assists.
Indeed, Ajax’s loss appears to be Brugge’s gain, and should he depart in the January transfer window, the Belgian outfit look set to make close to £30 million in profit on the Dutchman, having paid just £6 million for his services the summer before last.
Averaging 2.6 shots per game, Lang would certainly offer Frank Lampard’s side a threat in attack, with his proclivity for long-range efforts a trait sorely lacking amongst the club’s existing forward line.
Lang has a flare for the spectacular, and could be an exciting addition to Everton’s line-up, though no doubt there will be competition for the youngster from across Europe.