What has happened to Yakubu?

Nobody can deny that until recently Everton have had a problem scoring goals this season, despite having two international strikers Louis Saha and Yakubu in the squad.

The case of Yakubu not scoring goals is a strange one.

Prolific

The Nigerian striker has always scored goals wherever he has played. In fact he is the one of the few players to ever have scored hat-tricks in the Champions League, Premier League and old UEFA Cup.

He first impressed in Europe with Israeli side Maccabi Hafia after a non-playing spell at Portuguese side Gil Vicente.

At Portsmouth, Middlesbrough and Everton he also has scored goals. He even has a decent scoring record at international level with his country of 21 goals in 57 appearances. However in the last few years he has struggled for goals.

Injury

A key factor could be a long term knee injury which kept him out of the game for nine months. When he returned from injury Everton fans were waiting for the solid striker to return to full fitness and get back into goalscoring form. Unfortunately that previous form has never returned.

Prime

Yakubu has such strength that he should be terrorising defence’s week in week out. At 28 years of age he should be hitting his prime as a striker.

We have seen glimpses of the old Yakubu with performances against the likes of Liverpool and Stoke at home this season. However his only goal this season campaign came against Stoke in a 1-0 win.

Favourite

Yakubu is still one of my favourite Everton players for his sheer strength and natural football ability. He has been criticised in the past for not working hard enough for the team but that didn’t matter because he was finding the net on a regular basis.

Now the goals have dried up he is just seen as a luxury Everton can’t afford anymore. The lack of goals has proved a major problem and the Toffee’s have been dragged into a relegation battle. As he hasn’t been scoring goals this season starts have been few and far between for the big striker.

Move?

Yakubu has been a regular starter at every club he has been at until now. If he doesn’t get regular football soon he could be on the move elsewhere. He was linked with a move to West Ham in the summer but the Hammers didn’t want to meet Everton’s valuation of the player.

Now a rather surprising rumour has emerged that Championship side Leicester City are about to launch an audacious bid to sign the Nigerian international. Foxes boss Sven Goran Eriksson is believed to be a big admirer of the striker and is looking to take him to the Walkers Stadium.

It remains to be seen if this rumour has any truth in it. It does however seem that Everton boss David Moyes is now willing to listen to offers for the striker. He must believe that the Yak will never again be the player who scored 21 goals in all competitions for the club in season 2007-08.

However I can’t see Yakubu wanting to play in the Championship after so many years in the top flight of English football. Even though I’m sure Leicester’s new owners would be willing to pay his huge wages.

Money

I can’t see this move happening but if it does then it will be sad to see the Yak go. However Everton are currently struggling financially and this move could help boss David Moyes bring in a fresh face. This deal could be ideal for everybody and if it does happen I really hope the move will re-ignite Yakubu’s career.

Will Yakubu be moving to Leicester City in January?