Everton’s window to sign Edon Zhegrova from Juventus appears to be opening wider, with the Italian club ‘considering selling’ the winger.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who cover the 26-year-old today. The Italian outlet report that Zhegrova is one of Juventus’ biggest disappointments of the season. He is one of three significant signings that haven’t worked out.
The Italian giants had big expectations for him but no goals and no assists in 20 games isn’t what they wanted.
While Zhegrova has shown promise at times, there’s been more negatives than positives. Now Juventus’ idea is to sell him.
Juventus want to sell
Those in charge don’t consider the former Lille player as key to their plans. Instead, they will evaluate potential offers, aiming to avoid a capital loss. The Italians need to bring in at least €11.4m for that to happen.
Zhegrova currently costs Juventus €2.86m in annual amortisation, after paying €14.3m for him last summer. Hence the €11.3m figure for this summer.
Then there’s his contract. He currently earns €4.6m per season until 2030. That’s around £80,000 a week. Any team interested in him would need to guarantee similar sums.
At this point there’s no concrete interest. Everton showed an interest in the January transfer window but have only made a ‘very timid’ inquiry at this point.
Everton doubts
Edon Zhegrova
That follows various reports about Everton’s interest in January. A report four days ago stated Juventus would now consider a bid from the Toffees. A second report today then stated a move to the Hill Dickinson was basically being pushed.
The question is whether Everton need him. €11.4m or there abouts would certainly be tempting, even if David Moyes will reportedly have plenty of money to spend this summer.
But they already have Iliman Ndiaye and Tyler Dibling and will likely pursue permanent deals for Tyrique George and Jack Grealish as well. If that is the case, the wings don’t feel like a priority for spending money.
Perhaps that is why all approaches have been timid and nothing more. Whether that changes in the coming months remains to be seen. This is a cheap option, there if the Toffees desire.