AliousThe summer transfer window saw significant changes to Everton’s squad, with several notable moves both in and out of the club. Many supporters were pleased with the overall transfer activity, which included the departure of some players who were seen as wanting to leave, such as Amadou Onana, while bringing in new talents like Iliman Ndiaye and Armando Broja.
One of the more prominent exits from Goodison Park was Neal Maupay, who joined Marseille on a season-long loan with an obligation to buy. This move came as a surprise to some, as Maupay had just returned from a loan spell at Brentford for the 2023/24 season and was expected to compete with Dominic Calvert-Lewin for the starting striker position.
However, manager Sean Dyche opted to sell Maupay for a reported £8.4 million, as per The Athletic, and brought in Broja as an alternative to challenge Calvert-Lewin. This decision may now be under scrutiny, particularly in light of Everton’s recent performances and Calvert-Lewin’s struggles in front of goal.
The team’s inability to hold onto a two-goal lead in recent matches, coupled with Calvert-Lewin’s missed opportunities, has led some to question whether keeping Maupay might have been beneficial. This sentiment was further reinforced when Maupay scored on his home debut for Marseille, highlighting his potential value to the team.
While Maupay’s goal-scoring record at Everton was not exceptional, there’s a belief among some observers that he might have been able to convert the chances that Calvert-Lewin has been missing, particularly in the recent match against Aston Villa. Although Calvert-Lewin did score in that game, his overall conversion rate from the chances created has raised concerns about his effectiveness.
It’s worth noting that Maupay had a productive season at Brentford, where he outscored both Beto and Calvert-Lewin. This fact, combined with Dyche’s prioritization of strengthening the striker position throughout the transfer window, makes the decision to sell Maupay all the more puzzling to some fans and pundits.
Of course, these reflections are largely speculative. It’s impossible to know for certain how Maupay would have performed had he stayed at Everton. However, given the team’s current struggles in front of goal, it’s natural for supporters and analysts to wonder whether retaining a potentially clinical finisher like Maupay could have positively impacted Everton’s league position.
This situation underscores the complexities and potential consequences of transfer decisions in football. While the full impact of Maupay’s departure may not be clear for some time, it serves as a talking point for those analyzing Everton’s current form and attacking options.
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