Writer Roundtable: Royal Blue Mersey on Ademola Lookman

Everton have completed their first signing of the January transfer window - Ademola Lookman has joined from Charlton Athletic.

In what is expected to be a busy winter window for the Blues, a 19-year-old forward from League One is probably not the signing many were hoping for.

The reaction to the signing on social media has largely been positive though, with many Everton fans actually cautiously optimistic about Lookman’s short and long-term future at the club.

So what do Royal Blue Mersey’s team think about the latest man to arrive at Goodison Park? Read on to find out.

Adam

Lookman certainly fills a need - Everton needs depth at both striker and winger, and he can reportedly play both.

I think in an ideal world, we won't need him to play much first team football this season; he shouldn't have to if we bring another winger in this month and Romelu Lukaku and Valencia both stay healthy.

But all in all, Director of Football Steve Walsh certainly has earned our trust on moves like these given his time at Leicester City and Idrissa Gueye. If he can become a guy who provides some competition at striker and winger, with the occasional start as needed, by this time next year, it's a good signing.

Brian

Everton fans are going to be very excited to watch young Ademola Lookman progress at Everton.

Tied to a strong centre forward like Lukaku and a hopefully revitalised Ross Barkley pushing from midfield, it isn't hard to envision Lookman cutting inside from the wing to wreak havoc on opposing defences, get off his rocket of a shot, and give Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines room to operate down the wings.

Blessed with the innate ability to beat defenders one on one, I can see Lookman being a key substitute by the end of the current league campaign.

Calvin

From the highlight videos I've seen so far, the player loves to take on players and has some decent pace. I haven't seen his crossing ability so don't know too much about that.

I’m really hoping he turns into our Sadio Mane, who has been wreaking havoc on Premier League defences for Liverpool. With Dominic Calvert-Lewin out, I'm assuming Enner Valencia and Lookman will now be Koeman's second striker when he reverts to the 4-4-2 formation.

I’m excited to have another young player signed, and trusting in Steve Walsh to continue finding gems to put around our diamond.

Mike

A lot is made of the fact that he is coming from League 1 but he did play 1500 minutes last year in the Championship.

His numbers have been half decent for someone of his age but not necessarily out of this world. Beyond that, it’s hard to know what we’re getting. He passes the YouTube test I guess.

The £11m fee seems big to me, surely there is better value elsewhere, like on the continent? As a fan, it’s probably best to ignore the price tag, give the kid some space and let him grow into the team. But yeah that's a decent chunk of change for a big question mark. Spurs got Dele Alli for half that a couple of years ago.

Sean

This one excites me and I won’t hide it. However, I will concede some of that excitement may have come from the success Dele Alli has had at Tottenham Hotspur.

I’ve only seen glimpses of Lookman over the last year or so but if he can develop anywhere near to how Dele has at White Hart Lane then Everton will see £11 million as a bargain.

More than anything I’m glad the club are continuing to identify young talent they can continue to develop. I look forward to seeing Lookman progress at Goodison Park and given our current options (or lack of them) what role he has to play this season.

Tyler

Frankly, I don't know much about Lookman. His price tag seems high to me, but it's January and transfer fees are always rising. Plus, he's only 19 years old. If he can come in and show that he is a useful piece in the Premier League over a couple of seasons, Everton can make that money back without a problem.

The club desperately needs some quality depth and youth, especially on the wings. Lookman addresses that. With Yannick Bolasie out until 2018, Gerard Deulofeu on the outskirts of the first team and Lennon disappointing as of late, the youngster should get a real shot to impress.

It's tough to judge a move before the player gets time on the pitch, so I won't. But it seems like this guy was a priority of Ronald Koeman and Walsh. I trust the Everton decision makers. So, until proven otherwise, I'm excited.