Exclusive: Midfielder Reacts to Everton’s Hijack Attempt as Deal Nears Completion
Sources have told Football Insider that Jens Cajuste is set to reject Everton's late hijack attempt in favor of a move to Ipswich Town.
On the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke disclosed that the midfielder’s transfer to Portman Road is “very close” as the Tractor Boys near another summer signing.
Cajuste is set to undergo a medical at Ipswich and finalize the transfer.
After a move to Brentford fell through in the final stages, Ipswich seized the opportunity and secured a deal for the Napoli player.
The recruitment team at Goodison Park now has to explore new options before the 31 August deadline and is actively seeking loan deals.
Sean Dyche’s team has been on the lookout for a new midfielder since Amadou Onana’s £50 million transfer to Aston Villa earlier this summer.
Everton’s search for a midfielder loan deal intensifies after Amadou Onana’s exit
Losing their star midfielder Onana to balance the books was a significant setback for Dyche’s squad and their goals for the upcoming season.
The £50 million received from his sale enabled Everton to enter the transfer market to strengthen their squad, albeit within financial constraints due to PSR concerns.
This summer, the Toffees have already signed Jake O’Brien, Iliman Ndiaye, Tim Iroegbunam, and Jesper Lindstrom, but still feel the need for an additional midfielder.
Iroegbunam has impressed in pre-season since arriving from Aston Villa, but he is unlikely to be relied upon to start every game in the Premier League.
Consequently, signing a new midfielder on loan has become a priority.
Cajuste’s availability caught the attention of the Everton recruitment team, but Ipswich moved swiftly to persuade him to join them in Suffolk rather than heading to Merseyside.
The 25-year-old made 35 appearances for Napoli across all competitions last season, in a disappointing year that saw the 2022-23 champions finish tenth.
