---

Everton’s Calvert-Lewin Successor Lined Up in Armando Broja with £30m Pre-Agreed Deal
Date: Thursday, 21 November 2024

Everton’s hunt for a dependable striker appears to have taken a significant step forward with Armando Broja, who could be a long-term replacement for Dominic Calvert-Lewin. According to Liverpool Echo, the Albanian international, currently on loan at Everton, was signed with a £30 million loan-to-buy clause, a deal that may define the club’s attacking future.

Signed from Chelsea, Broja arrived at Goodison Park in the summer transfer window. While injury has prevented him from making an immediate impact, his potential return to action in the coming weeks is highly anticipated. The forward’s presence may be vital, as the Blues prepare for life after Calvert-Lewin, whose contract expires at the end of the season.

Broja’s Pre-Agreed Deal Could Shape Everton’s Future

Calvert-Lewin has been a talismanic figure for Everton, but his struggles with form and fitness have left the Toffees vulnerable in attack. Reports from the Daily Mail suggest that Everton moved decisively to secure Broja in a £30 million loan-to-buy deal. This bold move highlights Everton’s determination to secure a reliable frontman for the foreseeable future, should Calvert-Lewin depart on a free transfer next summer.

The decision to bring in Broja was not without competition. The Albanian striker was reportedly close to joining Ipswich Town before Everton intervened. Despite his lack of game time so far due to injury, Everton’s management believes that Broja could fill the void Calvert-Lewin may leave behind.

Calvert-Lewin’s Decline: A Shadow of His Former Self

Everton fans have endured a turbulent relationship with Calvert-Lewin over recent seasons. Once regarded as one of England’s most promising strikers, his career has been hampered by repeated injuries and a worrying decline in form.

While there have been flashes of his former brilliance, his struggles in front of goal have left Everton in desperate need of attacking reinforcements. The 26-year-old’s inability to deliver consistently has not only hurt his own reputation but has also severely impacted Everton’s Premier League campaign.

A Team Strong at the Back but Toothless in Attack

One of Everton’s most pressing concerns this season has been their lack of goals. While their defensive performances have been commendable—conceding just three goals in their last six league matches—their attack has faltered. The Blues have managed to score in only two of their last six games, a statistic that underscores their struggles in the final third.

The lack of a reliable scorer has placed immense pressure on Everton’s midfield to contribute goals, which has proven unsustainable. This is where Broja could make a difference. His physicality, work rate, and potential for growth offer Everton a forward who could thrive in the right environment.

Broja’s Journey: From Chelsea to Goodison Park

Armando Broja’s career has been a tale of potential yet to be fully realized. The 22-year-old striker burst onto the scene during a loan spell at Southampton in the 2021-22 season, where he scored six goals in 32 appearances. While these numbers may not be prolific, his performances showed promise and a maturity beyond his years.

His time at Chelsea, however, has been less fruitful. Broja struggled for opportunities at Stamford Bridge, scoring just two goals in 26 games. Last season’s loan spell at Fulham was equally challenging, as he failed to score in eight appearances. Despite these setbacks, Everton’s management sees Broja as a striker with untapped potential.

Why Everton Could Be the Perfect Fit

Everton’s environment could provide Broja with the platform he needs to flourish. Unlike Chelsea, where the weight of expectation often stifles younger players, Everton’s emphasis on rebuilding under the Friedkin Group could offer Broja the time and support necessary to succeed.

His style of play aligns well with Everton’s needs. A strong aerial presence, combined with his ability to hold up play and bring teammates into the attack, makes him a well-rounded forward. With Everton’s creative midfielders supplying him, Broja has the tools to thrive in the Premier League.

The Friedkin Group’s Vision for a New Era

Under the stewardship of the Friedkin Group, Everton is undergoing a transformation. The club’s ambitions to solidify its status in the Premier League and push for European qualification require a squad capable of delivering consistent performances. Broja’s acquisition fits into this vision, as the Albanian forward represents both a short-term solution and a long-term investment.

If Broja can rediscover his Southampton form and maintain fitness, he could spearhead Everton’s attack for years to come. With Calvert-Lewin likely to depart and Beto struggling to secure a starting role, the opportunity is there for Broja to establish himself as a key figure in Everton’s future.

Injury Concerns and Fitness Challenges

One of the major hurdles facing Broja is his fitness. The striker has yet to make an appearance for Everton due to injury, and his return to full fitness is crucial if he is to make an impact. Reports indicate that Broja will miss Everton’s upcoming clash against Brentford but is stepping up his recovery by featuring for the under-21 team.

Everton’s medical staff are optimistic about his progress, but the club must manage his return carefully. Rushing him back into action could risk further setbacks, while a measured approach could allow Broja to hit the ground running when he finally dons the Everton shirt.

A Risk Worth Taking

The £30 million price tag attached to Broja’s loan-to-buy deal is significant, particularly for a club like Everton that operates under financial constraints. However, the potential rewards far outweigh the risks. If Broja can fulfill his promise, he could be the striker Everton have been searching for since the decline of Calvert-Lewin.

The Albanian’s blend of physicality, technical ability, and work ethic make him a forward well-suited to the demands of the Premier League. With the right guidance and support, Broja has the potential to become a fan favorite at Goodison Park.

The Bigger Picture: Everton’s Recruitment Strategy

Broja’s signing reflects a shift in Everton’s recruitment strategy. Under the Friedkin Group, the club is targeting younger players with potential resale value, rather than splurging on high-profile signings. This approach is designed to create a sustainable model that balances immediate needs with long-term goals.

The emphasis on smart recruitment has already paid dividends in other areas of the squad, particularly in defense. The challenge now is to replicate this success in attack, where Broja could be the catalyst for a more potent forward line.

Looking Ahead: A Defining Season for Everton

As Everton prepares to face Brentford this Saturday, the focus will be on maintaining their defensive solidity while finding solutions to their attacking woes. While Broja’s return is still weeks away, his presence on the sidelines offers hope for a brighter future.

With Calvert-Lewin’s contract ticking down and Beto yet to establish himself, the stage is set for Broja to take center stage. If the Albanian forward can deliver on his promise, he could become the face of Everton’s new era under the Friedkin Group.

---