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Everton have completed the signing of Bournemouth forward Joshua King on a permanent contract.
The 29-year-old forward’s contract with Bournemouth was set to expire at the end of the season, but after a year of speculation linking him to various Premier League clubs, his five-and-a-half-year stint on the South Coast. now it’s over.
King, who scored 53 goals in 184 appearances for the Cherries and became the club’s record scorer in the Premier League before his five-year season in the top flight came to an end at the end of 2019/20, did not has been able to find the net in 12 appearances at the Sky Bet Championship this period.
King has long been linked to a move away from Vitality Stadium, even before Bournemouth’s relegation last season, and former Norwegian international club Manchester United saw a £ 20 million offer rejected last January.
Four of the Premier League’s six majors were thought to want his signature after the Cherries suffered relegation to the Championship on the final day of the 2019/20 campaign.
West Ham, meanwhile, saw a £ 13 million offer for King rejected by Bournemouth in October and West Brom made no secret of his interest in him either, with Sam Allardyce previously admitting that the Baggies would look to sign King in January if the price was right.
King had long been linked to a move away from Vitality Stadium
Burnley was also believed to be interested in bringing King in this month.
Shane Long arrives on loan at Bournemouth
Shane Long has joined Bournemouth on loan
Bournemouth have signed Southampton forward Shane Long on loan for the remainder of the season as King’s replacement.
Bournemouth manager Jason Tindall said of the 34-year-old: “I am delighted to bring a forward with Shane’s experience and quality to the club.”
“In addition to his unquestionable technical ability, Shane’s character, maturity and leadership skills are something we have been looking to add to what is a relatively young team.
“He has played at the highest level for most of his career, including the last nine seasons, and we hope to get the best of him in the coming months as our goal is to get back up to the Premier League.
What can Everton expect from King?
By Adam Smith of Sky Sports …
King has battled for goals this season and has been in and out of the Bournemouth squad due to uncertainty about his future on the South Coast.
He scored six times in the Premier League last season, but that comeback came from just 13 shots on goal in 24 starts.
In terms of completion, King’s most prolific league season came in 2016/17 with 16 goals, reaching double digits for the first time in his career, and he accomplished that feat again with 12 in 2018/19.
Despite playing primarily as a forward for a lower half club, he has achieved a clinical advantage in his five seasons, in scoring (0.27-0.53 per 90), converting (11-24 percent) and shooting accuracy (43- 61). percent).
King’s strength is getting the ball into dangerous areas, ranking 16th in the Premier League in dribbling by 90 attempts in 2019/20, while his regular bursts of pace pose a constant threat to opposing defenses.
Last season, his top speed of 36.67 km / h was just a hair short of the 37.78 km / h reached by Wolves sprinter Adama Traore, while few players exceed his 12.2 sprints per 90.
In fact, clubs chasing King are likely to find his versatility appealing, having played every imaginable attacking role last season – left, right and center.
His defensive stats are also impressive, with 6.8 duels won for every 90, with most of this action occurring on the left flank in the middle third, a perfect area for quick transition counterattacks.
King was also ranked 15th in the league for possessions won in the attacking third (9.4 for 90), revealing that it would help put pressure from the front.
Statistics highlight King’s consistency, ball-carrying skills, defensive qualities, clinical finish and unique versatility. Coupled with his high-flying experience and previous contract status, it’s no wonder he attracted interest.
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