Opinion: Everton must offer more than £1.3m in wages to secure new transfer

The 27-year-old Wilfried Ndidi boasts a wealth of Premier League experience, having made nearly 300 appearances for Leicester City since his arrival at the King Power Stadium in 2017.

With Ndidi opting to see out his contract with Leicester, Everton could potentially secure his signature this summer. Manager Sean Dyche’s side is not alone in their interest; Sevilla reportedly had a contract offer turned down, according to Estadio Deportivo on July 8.

Ndidi rejected an annual salary of £1.3 million (€1.5 million) from Sevilla, having earned £3.8 million (€4.5 million) annually with Leicester. For Everton to successfully sign the former Leicester midfielder, they will need to offer a more competitive wage.

Though there has been minimal activity regarding midfield signings at Goodison Park, there is an expectation that Amadou Onana will depart this summer. His departure would create a significant gap in midfield for Dyche next season, one that Idrissa Gana Gueye, James Garner, and Abdoulaye Doucoure may struggle to fill alone.

Ndidi’s Premier League experience positions him as an ideal solution to this potential problem. Several teams are vying for his signature, and given his talent and experience, securing him on a free transfer would be highly advantageous for Everton, despite the higher wage demands.

However, Everton should only pursue Ndidi if they can comfortably afford his salary. While his addition would be a significant boost, the club’s financial health remains paramount. Missing out on Ndidi to another team could be a substantial loss, but prudent spending must guide the club’s decisions.

In summary, Everton recognizes the conditions for Ndidi’s transfer following his contract expiration at Leicester City. Ndidi’s extensive Premier League experience makes him a prime target, and his potential arrival could fill a crucial gap in Everton’s midfield, provided the club can meet his wage expectations responsibly.