Championship clubs are fighting for the signature of Everton forward Youssef Chermiti, but EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that a deal could be made to wait months for those interested.
As the summer transfer window is poised to continue after the break, Championship clubs are continuing their preparations ahead of next season.
Of the 24 teams competing in the 2025/26, a handful of those have been interested in signing Everton forward Youssef Chermiti.
The Portuguese international has attracted interest from Sheffield United, Stoke City and Swansea this summer.
However, EFL Analysis can exclusively reveal that the interested trio could be made to wait by the Toffees to strike a deal for the young forward.
Youssef Chermiti of Everton looks on during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Brentford FC at Goodison Park
Photo by Lewis Storey/Getty Images
Sheffield United, Stoke and Swansea dealt blow over Youssef Chermiti deal
Following his breakout campaign in the Portuguese top flight, in which he notched three goals and five assists in 16 games, Chermiti arrived at Everton two years ago as a top prospect for the club’s future.
Despite this, 21-year-old Chermiti started only four Premier League games last season for Everton, but his lofty potential has seen several second tier sides interested in his signature this summer.
However, the summer transfer window at Everton will be contingent on the future of Chermiti next season, and could force either the Blades, Stoke, or Swansea to wait until the window is approaching the deadline to strike a move for the former Sporting prospect.
In an EFL Analysis exclusive, our Chief Football correspondent Graeme Bailey revealed: “The last thing I heard was that Everton were quite keen to keep Youssef Chermiti as their third-choice striker. They quite like him.
“But there’s no doubt that he has interest in the Championship. He’s very highly rated. A lot of clubs like him.
“I think it’s one where that’ll just be depend on what Everton’s business is like this summer. If they did end up keeping Dominic Calvert-Lewin and were to keep hold of Beto, and do they sign another one? Then if Chermiti is fourth or fifth choice, he probably will go on loan.
“But if they don’t get a striker and can’t find someone better… it is all very much dependent on the window for Everton.
“He’s going to be a player to watch in August for a move if it happens, right through to the end of August, we could be waiting on that one. Unless Everton make their decision sooner, which I don’t think they have.
“But yes, he has a lot of clubs that like him a lot, and he is a really interesting option for those Championship clubs like Sheffield United, Swansea, and Stoke.”
Chermiti’s potential on paper is the reason Everton secured his services in the summer of 2023, and a loan move to the Championship could prove pivotal in his development for the Toffees, as we have seen for so many top prospects down the years.
Bristol City FC v Preston North End FC - Sky Bet Championship
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Youssef Chermiti would thrive during loan from Everton in the Championship
There have been several examples of loan signings coming from the Premier League, into the Championship and thriving in the second tier.
Of the best loan signings in the EFL this season, Kaine Kesler-Hayden is a prime example that Chermiti should follow, after his impressive stint at Preston North End from Aston Villa.
The full-back was one of the shining lights in the Lilywhites’ relegation-threatened season, and it’s therefore no shock Coventry City want to spend £5m on Kesler-Hayden.
An array of examples aside from Kesler-Hayden, such as Ben Doak’s loan from Liverpool to Middlesbrough this season, prove how fruitful it can be for Premier League clubs to send their top prospects to the Championship for a season.
Just ask Sunderland supporters about a certain Manchester United Ivorian starlet, Amad Diallo.
Similarly, Everton would benefit greatly from allowing Chermiti to get a season of second tier action under his belt, and continue his development as a highly-coveted goalscoring prospect.