Everton FC are reportedly close to signing free agent Sekou Koita, a striker who last played for Red Bull Salzburg. According to Sport Witness, Koita is set to join the Toffees after his contract with Salzburg expired. The 24-year-old has been capped 27 times by Mali and has experience playing in the Austrian Bundesliga.
Koita’s statistics from last season make for impressive reading. According to Comparisonator’s Virtual Transfer tool, Koita’s Offensive Index score of 292 would place him third in the Premier League behind Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Matheus Cunha of Wolverhampton Wanderers. He also tops the list for shots per 90 minutes, with an average of 4.15, ahead of Palmer’s 2.71.
Koita’s ability to create chances and score goals is evident in his statistics. He has a high rate of successful offensive actions, with 74% of his attacks resulting in a shot or a goal. He also has a high rate of interceptions in the opposition half, with an average of 1.09 per 90 minutes.
However, there are some concerns about Koita’s fitness record and the level of competition he has been playing at. He struggled with injuries and adductor pain last season, and his contract with Salzburg was not renewed. Additionally, the Austrian Bundesliga is considered a weaker league than the Premier League.
Despite these concerns, Koita’s signing could be a shrewd move by Everton. He has experience playing at a high level, and his statistics suggest that he has the potential to be a prolific goal-scorer in the Premier League. Additionally, his ability to create chances and score goals could make him a valuable asset to the Toffees.
Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, has stated that the club is looking to build a sustainable football model based on astute trading in and out of the club. Signing Koita on a free transfer could be a prudent move, especially considering the club’s recent signing of Iliman Ndiaye from Olympique Marseille.
However, there may be some competition for minutes on the pitch, especially with the presence of fellow Mali international Abdoulaye Doucoure. Additionally, Koita’s fitness record and level of competition may be a concern for some fans.
Overall, the signing of Sekou Koita could be a smart move by Everton. His statistics suggest that he has the potential to be a prolific goal-scorer in the Premier League, and his experience playing at a high level could make him a valuable asset to the Toffees.