Everton turn attention to free-scoring forward with lower profile but same name as existing target

Everton are eyeing Adama Traore ahead of the January transfer window, according to reports – but not the one who plays for Wolves.

The Toffees have been mentioned as potential suitors for Wolves’ Traore before. He returned to the Premier League club this summer after a spell on loan at Barcelona. Due to the presence of former Wolves figure Kevin Thelwell, Everton seemed to be considering him.

A move never materialised, so the Spaniard remains at Molineux. However, it has now emerged that Everton are looking at another Adama Traore.

According to Calciomercato, the Merseyside outfit are monitoring a player with the same name who represents Hungarian club Ferencvaros and the Mali national team.

Also a winger, the 27-year-old has been in fine form so far this season for Ferencvaros. He has scored five goals from five league appearances since joining the club.

Meanwhile, in European competition – comprising appearances in the Champions League and Europa League – he has contributed seven goals from nine games up to this point.

Therefore, his record in all competitions so far in the 2022-23 season is 12 goals from 14 appearances.

Clearly, Traore is expressing his talents well in his new surroundings. But after spells in the Congo, France, Saudi Arabia, Moldova and now Hungary, could another new challenge await him in England?

The report from Calciomercato does not provide much more detail about Everton’s interest. There is no mention of how much he might cost, for example.

But it appears they are keeping tabs on the former Sheriff Tiraspol attacker. If they were to sign him, they would be giving him his first taste of Premier League football.

Adama Traore would be taking on new challenge with Everton

Only time would tell how he would adapt. But as he enjoys his peak years, perhaps he will be hoping to make the step up to a more competitive environment.

To this point, Traore has never made an appearance in one of Europe’s top five leagues. He did spend time with French outfit Metz, who were in Ligue 1 last season but were in Ligue 2 at the time.

Everton, then, could take him to uncharted territory if they were to launch a bid. And given that he cost Ferencvaros less than £2million, he could be an affordable target.

For now, he will keep testing himself in the Hungarian top flight and the Europa League group stage. His contract with Ferencvaros, incidentally, is due to run until 2025.

Meanwhile, Everton will have to rely on the likes of Anthony Gordon, Demarai Gray, Dwight McNeil, Alex Iwobi and Andros Townsend in the wide areas until they can strengthen further.

When the time comes, perhaps Traore could be someone they consider. If he continues scoring at the rate he is doing for Ferencvaros, he will do his chances of taking the next step in his career no harm at all.

In truth, his namesake may be the more exciting signing. But if Everton want to think outside the box, perhaps the Malian Traore could be worth a closer look at.

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