Everton reportedly keen to sign teenage star Ezri Konsa
By Paul Taylor
Everton are apparently interested in Charlton Athletic defender Ezri Konsa, but will face stiff competition from city rivals Liverpool.
Regardless of the inconsistent start to the season, one thing Everton fans can take comfort in, is the clubs’ desire — and indeed ability — to find and hone young talent. The evidence was there last season, when the Under-23s won the inaugural Premier League 2 title.
Further proof came in the Blues’ moves during the summer, to bring in even more young players. Certainly, adding the likes of Josh Bowler, Lewis Gibson and Boris Mathis bode well for both the present and future of Everton Football Club.
In that respect, it seems Everton are always searching for new talent, to boost their ranks. Look no further than the latest speculation.
As reported by the Echo‘s Tom Hopkinson, the Blues are keen to sign Charlton Athletic’s Ezri Konsa. The question is, why are they so interested in the teenage defender?
As Hopkinson writes, Konsa was part of England’s Under-20s’ World Cup during the summer, featuring in the semi-final win over Italy. As a result, Charlton are now preparing to receive offers, when the transfer window reopens in January.
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The 19-year-old progressed through the Addicks’ youth ranks, before signing his first professional contract at the end of 2015. He didn’t make his first team debut until last season, but when he did, he made an immediate impression.
Konsa went on to play 39 times for Charlton during the 2016/17 season. He was named the club’s Young Player of the Year and was rewarded with a three-year extension towards the end of the campaign.
The defender is mostly used as a centre-back, but his versatility also allows him to play at full back if required. If he does end up joining the Blues, he while follow in the footsteps of Ademola Lookman, who left Charlton at the start of this year.
Not that Everton will have it all their own way, with Liverpool also reportedly keen to sign Konsa. Interestingly, the Reds are off to an excellent start in Premier League 2, leading the table with six wins out of six.
Next: Have the Blues turned the corner?
Are you familiar at all with Konsa? If so, would you like to see the Blues to sign him? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.