Everton have had a lot of near-miss transfers over the years, and some come back to really hurt them.
Even as recently as the summer transfer window just gone, Everton were hoping to sign Nick Woltemade, and now he’s smashing it at Newcastle United.
Woltemade was one of David Moyes’ targets, but the Magpies had the much bigger spending power and got a deal done for £69m.
Famously, Everton missed out on signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia back in 2021, and he’s since gone on to become one of the best wingers in the world.
Now, there is another winger who they nearly signed who’s proving himself to be a top player elsewhere.
Fulham v Manchester City - Premier League
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Former Everton target Samuel Chukwueze in sensational form for Fulham
Everton tried to sign Samuel Chukwueze from AC Milan ahead of the 2025 January transfer window, but they failed to get the deal over the line.
Fast forward to the present day, Chukwueze now plies his trade in the Premier League with Fulham, and he’s playing some of the best football of his career.
In fact, the Nigerian wide player is actually outperforming Erling Haaland at the moment, as he’s managed five goal contributions in 228 minutes for Fulham.
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Meanwhile, Haaland has 18 in 1218 minutes, so Chukwueze is statistically one of the most in-form players in the division.
Chukwueze laid on two assists against Man City last night, leaving Everton scouts to rue the failed transfer.
Who did Everton sign instead of Samuel Chukwueze
Well, the January transfer window at the start of the year didn’t see much movement, as Everton signed one player.
Carlos Alcaraz was the only signing, as he joined from Flamengo on a loan deal, which later became permanent in the summer.
Moyes had to work with what he had and managed to get a tune out of a lot of underperforming players, most notably Beto.
The Scotsman steered the Toffees well clear of relegation and actually ended up finishing 23 points clear of 18th.
So, whilst Chukwueze would’ve been a welcome addition, it didn’t cost them, thankfully.
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