Everton are set to battle it out with West Ham for the signing of FC Porto winger Goncalo Borges.
Goncalo Borges, 22, began his youth career at SL Benfica in 2010. And after spending half a decade with Benfica, he moved to FC Porto before rising through the ranks. The attacker made his first-team debut for FC Porto during the 2021/22 campaign. Since then, he has gone on to make only 22 appearances across all competitions, including 20 last term.
While the Portugal under-21 international is yet to establish a foothold in the FC Porto first-team squad since making his debut, it has not stopped clubs from all across Europe registering their interest in him. Everton and West Ham are reportedly keen on signing Borges and they might launch the offensive for the youngster in the final days of the summer transfer window.
Everton, West Ham vying for Goncalo Borges’ signature
Everton have decided to address their many weaknesses in front of goal that almost cost them their Premier League status last term. Given Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s persistent injury problems in the past two years, Neal Maupay’s inability to finish chances in front of goal and new signing Youssef Chermiti’s lack of Premier League experience, Sean Dyche is hoping to bring in a new striker. In addition, he also wants a wide attacker to chip in with goals and assists.
Likewise, West Ham are also targeting a new striker to replace the departed Gianluca Scamacca, who joined Atalanta earlier this transfer window. David Moyes cannot completely rely on Michail Antonio for goals due to his age and fitness problems, so he might decide to use Jarrod Bowen as a centre-forward this season. Thus, it makes complete sense for the Hammers to pursue a wide attacker.
FC Porto’s Goncalo Borges, thus, has emerged as a viable target for both Everton and West Ham. Borges is a young, raw winger with potential to develop, someone who can make a positive impact for both the Premier League clubs.
However, given West Ham’s budget increase following the sale of Declan Rice to Arsenal for £105m, the East London club would have no trouble finding the funds to sign Borges from Porto. So, if Everton are genuinely interested in signing the Portuguese under-21 international, they must accelerate their pursuit of the winger.
I am Rohan Sengupta from one of the busiest cities in India, Mumbai. A Journalism graduate with a keen interest in sports, football is something I simply cannot live without and writing, discussing and analyzing the game is what I do 24*7.
