Everton: Persistence pays off in pursuit of top prospect Josh Bowler
By Paul Taylor
Despite Queens Park Rangers’ reluctance to sell Josh Bowler, Everton eventually persuaded them to part company with the highly-rated young talent.
It took more money that Everton would have liked, but they finally got their man. Josh Bowler is moving to Goodison Park.
This is a case of patience and persistence paying off for Everton, to sign the highly-rated 18-year old. He makes the move, despite only signing his first professional contract in March and making his senior level on the final day of the 2016/17 Championship season.
Bowler had been with Queens Park Rangers since the age of 14 and the club is disappointed to see the winger go. Rangers’ director of Football Les Ferdinand, made a last-ditch effort to persuade the youngster to stay.
As per a report from the Evening Standard‘s Simon Johnson, Ferdinand spoke to the player and his dad, saying he would play for QPR’s first team quicker than Everton’s. However, despite also pointing out several other advantages, it fell on deaf ears.
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Ultimately, when a Premier League club comes calling, it’s going to get your attention. QPR held out as long as they could, but eventually, the money proved too tantalizing.
Everton first contacted the London side in May, with a £500,000 offer. Despite including add-ons that could see the fee rise to £3 million, it was rejected.
However, the Blues refused to give up and came back with an improved offer, which QPR reluctantly accepted. As reported by the Mirror‘s David Anderson, Everton will initially pay £1.5 million, with another £2.5 million in add-ons.
All indications are that Everton view Bowler as a long-term project and will not push him into the first team too quickly. He will be added to their under-23s team for the 2017/18 season, as they look to bolster a side coming off a title-winning campaign.
Despite Everton’s flurry of signings to boost the first team, it is refreshing to see they are not just aiming to improve instantly. Bowler’s addition boosts their long-term planning, following on from the January signing of wonderkid Ademola Lookman.
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What is your initial take on the signing of Bowler? Is he worth the fee? What kind of success are you predicting from him, both short-term and in the future? Share your thoughts in the comments section.