Everton manager Roberto Martinez added to his options in the final third by splashing the cash on Oumar Niasse from Lokomotiv Moscow. The 25-year-old – who had previously been eyed up by the likes of Chelsea, United and Spurs – arrives at Goodison for a reported fee of £13.5m, making him the third most expensive signing in the Merseysiders’ history. Versatile enough to lead the line up front or take his place out wide, the Toffees boss stressed that Niasse isn’t just here to make up the numbers:
“He’s not back-up for anyone. He has his own ability, his own conditions and he is someone who can stretch defenders. He can open space and has a real intelligent way of combining for others. He can fit in different formations – on his own, with another, out wide. He’s flexible and at 25 it’s the perfect moment for coming to the Premier League.”
The History
Niasse started his career as a winger with Senegal second-tier side US Ouakam. Having signed a professional contract in 2008, he helped his side gain promotion that year before going on to win the Senegal Premier League in 2011.
After scoring 102 times in 154 appearances, he made his way to Norway on a six-month loan deal but managed just three appearances due to poor form and injury. Rejecting a move to French club Saint-Etienne, Niasse signed with Turkish club Akhisar Belediyespor in August 2013 – across 40 appearances for his new club, he served up 15 goals and seven assists, catching the eye of Lokomotiv Moscow prior to the start of the 2014/15 campaign.
Niasse took his time to settle in Russia, though still managed a respectable return of six goals and four assists in 19 outings across all competitions last term, This year, though, his form has picked up considerably – in just 23 appearances, he’s delivered 13 goals and 10 assists, which includes an impressive four goals and three assists in six Europa League matches.
On the international stage, Niasse turned out six times for Senegal Under 23s without finding the net. He has since been selected for the senior side on five occasions, scoring twice.
The Prospects
A long-term target of Martinez, Niasse’s all-round game makes him a canny acquisition for Everton. Strong, pacey and hard-working, he’s also good in the air and, as his decent assists return suggests, a very unselfish player in and around the box.
Although he was unavailable for selection for the Toffees’ midweek clash with Newcastle due to a work permit issue, it may well be that the versatile attacker is eased into contention before nailing down a starting role, according to his manager:
“Mentally he is ready – psychologically he would love to be involved against Newcastle on Wednesday. But from a physical point of view, his last game was on December 10 so it has been a few weeks [since he played]. He is refreshed and I think we need to give him an individual programme to get him up to speed, but in the same way, I want him to be used in the games to get that familiarity with the players and with the league, so that he can have a contribution straight away. It will be assessing every day to see how he adapts. “
From a Fantasy perspective, Niasse’s classification as a forward in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game will ensure that the vast majority give him a wide berth.
With Romelu Lukaku nailed-on as the lone striker under the Spaniard and Ross Barkley equally secure in the central support berth, Niasse’s best chance of securing regular minutes is likely to be on the flanks, though there’s no shortage of competition from the likes of Gerard Deulofeu, Kevin Mirallas, Arouna Kone, Tom Cleverley, Aaron Lennon and Steven Pienaar.
Arguably, such a scenario would merely strengthen Barkley’s position as the only viable midfield option at Goodison – the playmaker has started every league match this season, whereas the likes of Deulofeu has been selected in the first XI in just three out of the last seven Gameweeks.
Although a price of 7.0 isn’t overly expensive, Niasse’s likely reverse out of position prospects will ensure he remains overlooked in the mid-price bracket – particularly when Jamie Vardy and Odion Ighalo set you back 7.2 and 6.4 respectively. With Southampton new boy Charlie Austin (7.0) also throwing his hat into the ring with a debut strike against United, Niasse – for all his talents – will struggle to make a viable claim for inclusion in our FPL squads.
Should Lukaku be ruled out with the back problem that forced him out of last night’s 3-0 win, though, the versatile Niasse – providing he steps up his fitness and receives his work permit in time – could lead the line as the Merseysiders make their way to Stoke this weekend. If the big Belgian proves his fitness in time, though, Niasse will surely struggle to earn a central berth if, as expected, Martinez keeps faith in his preferred 4-2-3-1 formation.
