Everton new Lukaku: Everton launch big-money bid to sign “elite target man

Everton Intensifies Hunt for Elite Striker to Fill Lukaku Void

The Toffees are ramping up their pursuit of a prolific centre-forward, with their recruitment team working tirelessly to land a striker who can dominate defensively and deliver ruthless finishing.

Their ideal target? A physical, high-scoring No. 9 in the mold of Romelu Lukaku—a player capable of overpowering defenders while maintaining a lethal conversion rate. Everton have lacked a reliable focal point up front since Lukaku’s 2017 exit, but under David Moyes’ leadership and an ambitious summer transfer strategy, the club is now poised to make a major move.

Everton Eyeing Their Next Lukaku

The loan capture of Jack Grealish from Manchester City has already signaled Everton’s intent to bolster their attack. However, there’s a growing realization that without a proven goalscorer, their offensive rebuild remains unfinished.

Their latest target fits the profile perfectly, and reports indicate Everton are ready to invest heavily. According to Football Insider, the Merseysiders have tabled a £37m bid for AS Roma’s Ukrainian powerhouse Artem Dovbyk.

The 28-year-old has attracted Premier League interest from Leeds, West Ham, and Sunderland, but Everton appear to be front-runners—a position strengthened by Roma’s shared ownership under the Friedkin Group. Dovbyk, who joined Roma from Girona just 18 months ago, is reportedly eager for a Premier League switch. He featured for 80 minutes in a recent pre-season clash against Everton, offering a glimpse of his capabilities.

The Lukaku Parallels

Dubbed an “elite target man” by European football expert Zach Lowy, Dovbyk is part of Everton’s broader attacking overhaul. The club is also monitoring right-wing options like Real Sociedad’s Takefusa Kubo and Southampton’s Tyler Dibling, who could complement the Ukrainian in a revamped frontline.

His arrival would also aid the development of Thierno Barry, Everton’s £27.6m signing from Villarreal, who shares a similar physical playing style.

The Lukaku comparisons are inevitable—and justified. Both strikers stand over 1.88m, blending brute strength with a natural goalscoring instinct.

Source: FBref

Dovbyk’s 2023/24 campaign with Girona showcased his elite output: 24 goals and 8 assists in 36 league games, propelling the club to an unprecedented Champions League qualification. Per FBref, he ranked in the 97th percentile for both goals (0.83) and expected goals (0.84) per 90, underlining the consistency Everton have sorely missed.

But he’s more than just a finisher—his link-up play (82nd percentile for expected assists) and dribbling success (68% take-on completion) add versatility, while his aerial prowess makes him a constant set-piece threat.

Lukaku’s Everton legacy (87 goals in 166 games, including a 25-goal league season in 2016/17) was built on similar traits. Dovbyk offers the same promise: a striker who can anchor the attack, outmuscle defenders, and deliver consistent end product.

A Potential Game-Changer for Everton

With their Premier League opener against Leeds United looming, securing Dovbyk could provide a major psychological boost. Pairing him with Grealish and emerging talents like Barry could forge a dynamic, multi-dimensional attack.

Everton’s recent struggles haven’t just been about finishing—chance creation has also been lacking. But with Grealish’s creativity and potential flank reinforcements, Dovbyk could thrive in a system tailored to his strengths.

This isn’t just another signing—it’s a chance for Everton to reclaim their identity as a side built around a dominant, match-winning striker. In Dovbyk, they may have finally found their heir to Lukaku.