Player Once Offered to Everton Set to Undergo Medical with Another Club Today – Fabrizio Romano
Everton's summer transfers had generated significant optimism at Goodison Park, with Kevin Thelwell seemingly making impressive moves in the market.
Sean Dyche strengthened Everton’s defense, midfield, and attack with new signings, creating optimism for a more stable Premier League season.
However, the start of the campaign saw Everton suffer heavy defeats of 3-0 and 4-0, raising concerns among fans about the effectiveness of the new recruits and Dyche’s management of them.
Adding to their challenges, financial constraints have limited Everton’s ability to pursue additional talent, forcing them to be selective and economical in their spending.
As a result, one of their potential targets is now set to move to another club.
Recently, there was an opportunity for Everton to sign a promising young striker.
The latest update on this transfer comes from Fabrizio Romano, who reported this morning on X (formerly Twitter) about the future of Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko.
Moukoko, a highly talented young German with a bright career ahead, would have been a significant signing for Everton.
Despite the risks involved, such a move would have aligned with Thelwell’s strategy this summer of acquiring young players with resale value.
Moukoko, only 19 years old, would have fit this mold perfectly, as even if he failed to adapt to the Premier League, his youth and potential could still command a decent transfer fee.
However, Romano announced that Moukoko is undergoing a medical examination today to join OGC Nice on loan, with an option to buy from Borussia Dortmund.
The option to buy clause will be worth more than the previously reported €12 million fee. Everton had been offered the chance to sign Moukoko earlier this month but failed to capitalize on it.
If Everton wants to bring in a new striker or reinforce any position, it appears they will first need to offload some players.
Fortunately, there are several players on the squad who are no longer seen as essential and could be sold to generate funds for new signings.
However, this is easier said than done, as these players are on high wages and nearing the end of their contracts.
They might opt to stay at Everton and earn a higher salary elsewhere once their contracts expire in a year or two.
Players like Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, and Neal Maupay stand out as prime candidates for departure, with weekly wages of £70,000, £80,000, and £50,000, respectively.
These players have not performed up to the standards expected for such salaries.
Given their current form and perceived market value, they might struggle to find a club willing to match their current wages if they were to leave this summer.
Thelwell faces a difficult task in convincing these players that their future lies away from Everton, especially when staying put offers them clear financial advantages.
Balancing the need to free up wages and squad space for new talent with the challenge of offloading these high-earners will be crucial for Everton’s strategy in the closing stages of the transfer window.
