Everton ended the January transfer window without a new striker, with Jhon Duran amongst the names to be linked.
It was a frustrating window for the fans, who had wanted to see a few new faces to help boost the club’s European push. Duran was linked with Everton, but he ended up making a move to Zenit, which he has now opened up about.
Winter window now shut, what striker do you want signed in the summer for Everton? 💥
No excuses can be made when the window opens again 😫
Troy Parrott lined up for the Republic of Ireland. Ivan Toney playing for Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli. Richarlison playing for Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
Credit: Getty Images/Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile/Yasser Bakhsh/Molly Darlington/Copa.
Only Tyrique George signed on loan from Chelsea in the end.
Not signing a new striker was something that has left many fans concerned.
Thierno Barry came to life in front of goal recently but has struggled in the last few games. And people continue to question whether Beto is good enough.
Duran was reportedly a late target for Everton, but he ended up joining Zenit – and the striker has now explained that decision.
Jhon Duran explains Zenit move after Everton showed interest
The Duran links had a lot of Everton fans excited at the time.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
While he had been playing in Saudi Arabia and then Turkey, many still felt that Duran’s exploits in the Premier League with Aston Villa would have made him an exciting addition.
But Zenit then came to the table for Duran, who did end up completing a move to Russia after the UK transfer deadline had passed.
Jhon Duran playing for Fenerbahce.
Photo by Yasin AKGUL / AFP via Getty Images
Duran has now explained why he made that move, saying (via Birmingham Live): “I decided to move to Zenit because of the club, and the challenge.
“It will help my development as a player, and I want to be part of the team. The club wanted me here, and that made me want to be here.
“All of these things are important for me, the club are looking to me to help and I will do everything possible to justify that trust.
“I always strive to be number one and I will do my best to take the team to the championship title and other trophies. I want to score lots of goals and help the team move forward.”
Everton may regret not signing Duran
It’s unclear how close Everton came to signing Duran in January, if at all.
But it may well be that the Toffees come to regret not landing him, because in the two games since the transfer window closed neither Thierno Barry nor Beto have scored.
Jhon Duran playing for Aston Villa.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Question marks remain over the pair’s quality, and if they can fire Everton to European football.
Duran has proven he can score goals in the Premier League, so it’s a bit of a shame that he’s now playing his football in Russia.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox