Former Everton striker Kevin Campbell believes that the club should look to Club Brugge’s Noa Lang this January, with the Netherlands international reportedly available for around £30 million.
It was reported last month that the Blues had expressed an interest in the 23-year-old, alongside the likes of Aston Villa and Monaco, and with previous transfer target Mohammed Kudus now likely to be out of Everton’s reach, Campbell insists that Lang could be an ideal alternative.
The ex-Everton striker said, “If you can’t afford somebody at £60million but you can get somebody in at £30million and he can hit the ground running, learn his game and you give him the opportunities…
“And if he can score at a decent rate then you’ve swum the channel to be honest.
“Because how many times have we seen players, you sign them for £60-65million, with the big name, and they don’t do it?
“This isn’t an easy thing to do, getting players that fit is key. Once you get them they’ve got to immerse themself in the football club and get themselves going.”
Everton came close to landing Ajax’s Kudus last summer, and no doubt the in-demand attacker could have made a significant difference to the Toffees’ output in front of goal this season.
However, Lang is a prodigious young talent who could excite fans at Goodison Park, should Lampard look to recruit the Dutch star. A versatile and skilful attacker, Lang has a flair for the spectacular and with an average of 2.6 shots per 90 minutes, such a contribution could be invaluable with another challenging season ahead.
The reported £30 million transfer fee does not seem unreasonable for a player of Lang’s age and reputation, but whether Everton have funds to match his valuation remains to be seen, unless the club cash in on an existing player.