According to The Athletic’s David Ornstein, manager Carlo Ancelotti was the driving force behind Josh King’s decision to move to Everton ahead of Fulham.
🚨 Carlo Ancelotti reportedly decided that Josh King chose Bournemouth-based Everton. #E FC Boss personally convinced 29yo that he is an integral part of their plans. It’s a six month deal for a fee + most likely another add-on #AFCB if characters are permanent @ TheAthleticUK https://t.co/khPXOHpGMV
– David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) February 1, 2021
Bournemouth accepted offers from the two Premier League clubs ahead of the 11pm transfer date yesterday and it was up to the Norwegian international to decide.
Ancelotti personally convinced King that he was an integral part of Everton’s future plans, and that was enough to do the trick.
Turkish striker Cenk Tosun left Goodison Park to borrow Besiktas on Monday and the Toffees were desperate for a replacement to reinforce their attack.
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Ancelotti are aiming for a top 6 result and his team would need to score more goals and improve significantly in the final period to increase their chances of playing in Europe next season.
King knows the Premier League well after scoring 48 goals and 14 assists in 161 games for Bournemouth in five seasons and hitting double digits in two seasons.
With just three goals in the FA Cup and two assists in 14 games this season, the 29-year-old is currently not shooting all cylinders.
However, under Ancelotti’s guidance and a different system, he was able to regain his form, and his pace and ability to play across the front would come in handy.
With Richarlison struggling to impress, King’s arrival could help bring out the best in the Brazilian given the quality competition it brings with it.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will now be looking over his shoulders as well, and the former Bournemouth star is definitely planning to give him a run for his money and that’s exactly what Everton needs now to establish itself as a top team.
