Everton, Fulham, Premier League
Johnson to Fulham, who gains?
Andy Johnson is on the verge of signing for Fulham in a bid that could rise to as much as £12million. It appears a shrewd bit of business for Everton, who signed the speedy striker for £8.6 million two years ago. Johnson has only added 17 league career goals to his tally at his time on [...]
Andy Johnson is on the verge of signing for Fulham in a bid that could rise to as much as £12million. It appears a shrewd bit of business for Everton, who signed the speedy striker for £8.6 million two years ago.
Johnson has only added 17 league career goals to his tally at his time on Merseyside in 61 league appearances: a poor hit rate for a man who is going at such a price. Evertonians will remember him for his two goals in the Merseyside derby, but apart from that his time in the northwest was somewhat uninspiring.
With the £12 million to be added to the transfer kitty at Everton it seems that they have gained by receiving at least 10 of this 12 in up-front cash. It may be used to fund the increased transfer offer for Joao Moutinho. The young ‘Portugese wizard’ as dubbed by Sporting’s fans has a longer career ahead of him, and for a similar price appears to be much more of a bargain than the signing of Andy Johnson.
Everton would have to fill these empty boots that Johnson has left, but again, David Moyes has thought it out. He said he would not sell until he found someone else. It is not yet known who it is, but rumours circulating around Goodison suggest a £7.5 million bid for Diego Milito could be on the cards. The striker is only two years older than Johnson, and has a much more impressive goals per game ratio than the Englishman. And having been part of the Zaragoza side that have been relegated, he would be available at a cut price.
Another name on the lips of Evertonians is that of Darren Bent, and for £10 million, could be an inadvertent straight swap for Johnson. Having netted four last night in a friendly, it is apparent that despite the lack of starts last season he still has the potential to be one of England’s most threatening strikers.
But it is possible that this new English strike force at Craven Cottage with Bobby Zamora partnering Johnson up front could really be what Fulham need. Their impotency last season meant they required a phenomenal late-season streak just to survive. If Zamora and Johnson click things will be somewhat easier this campaign.
It is obvious that the signing of Johnson was rash, and at £12 million seemed to be a panic buy, but in July! Roy Hodgson should have kept strong, and the asking price of £12 million was considerably too high. It is one of those more money than sense sagas, but Moyes shall use his winnings to cash in on a few more of his bargains.
Tags: Andy Johnson, Darren Bent, David Moyes, Diego Milito, João Moutinho, Roy Hodgson
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So after selling Keane to Liverpool; and Berba probably off to Man U - you think spurs will sell their last remaining striker? For £6mill less than they paid a year ago? Is it nice on your planet?
http://www.evertonfc.com/news/29946/what-the-papers-say-july-29.html
I’m an Evertonian and I’m gutted johnson has gone, not least because it leaves the squad even weaker. Other blues will point to his lack of goals but I would point to his lack of opportunities. AJ thrives on service and recived absolutely none. Even without his goals he was always a thorn in the side of the opposition defence and never gave them a moments peace.
I wish him well and think he will score a shed load at Fulham.
Well Johnson scored 11 goals in his first season at Everton. He was injured for much of the second season. I don’t suppose Moyes only playing Yakubu up front on his own, with Cahill behind him had anything to do with Johnson’s goal to game ratio did it?.
You sound like a bitter Evertonian to me.