Everton completed a host of deals two weeks ago but we’re yet to see Rafa Benitez really splash the cash since becoming the new manager of the Toffees.
What’s the word?
Everton secured two straight victories in the Florida Cup and they could be turning their attentions to America again to formalise another move in the ongoing transfer market.
That’s according to
Grant Wahl, who took to Twitter to report that Benitez’s men were now eyeing a swoop for Matthew Hoppe.
He
commented: “Hearing Matthew Hoppe (who’s having a good Gold Cup) is now drawing interest from Arsenal and Everton. It’s looking likely he’ll make a move from Schalke following Gold Cup.”
The new DCL
If Hoppe pens on the dotted line at Goodison Park, he could be the club’s new Dominic Calvert-Lewin. The England international enjoyed the best campaign of his career to date in 2020/21, scoring
21 goals in the royal blue of Everton.
However, they could bolster their attacking options by signing a like-minded forward in Hoppe.
He scored
six times for Schalke in the Bundesliga last term and has impressed with his all-around ability as a striker for his country at the Gold Cup.
Hoppe has scored for the United States and has created
three big chances in four matches at the tournament. Adept at bringing others into play, his tall frame is what gives us the biggest Calvert-Lewin vibes.
He stands at 6 foot 3 and has even been
compared to the brute force of Robert Lewandowski. An article put together on the
official Bundesliga website details:
“Tall and lithe but with a strong frame, the American has a knack of losing his marker at just the right time, his clever movement creating pockets of space inside the penalty area. Although predominantly right-footed, he can also score with his left, with his head and from outside the box.”
That could quite easily describe Everton’s current star striker, a player who picks up useful areas in the area with quick-minded decisions.
Speaking about his time with Barcelona’s academy in the USA, academy director Sean McCafferty,
commented: “In the Southwest Division you’ve got LA Galaxy, Real Salt Lake, two of the best academies in the country, and we were able to win the division. We’ve had tremendous consistency throughout the year, and we have the top goal scorer in the country in Matthew Hoppe. He’s of the highest level.”
He only won
1.1 aerial duels per match in the German top flight last term, which is a significant drop off from Calvert-Lewin’s tally of
4.7 per game, but his combative and tall presence means he could have a similar impact if he arrives in England.
Hoppe would likely play second fiddle at first but he could be an incredibly useful option with Benitez lacking depth in the final third of the pitch.
