Everton receive transfer boost in the hunt for £27 million defender
Merih Demiral is a name that has been mentioned numerous times in the Everton camp in the past few weeks. Several reports stated that Juventus could offer the Turk defender in a player plus cash deal for Moise Kean, to please Everton. However, Kean’s future remains inclined towards PSG at the moment.
This potentially killed the idea of a swap deal between the Toffees and the Old Lady taking off the names of Adrien Rabiot, Aaron Ramsey and Demiral off the table. This meant that if the Toffees were to target any of the aforementioned Juve players, they would’ve to launch a separate operation.
At one point, Demiral was deemed as non-transferrable as he and Matthijs de Ligt are considered as successors to Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. Chiellini’s deal expires in the summer and so far no decision has been made by the player over his future. The Italian’s decision will be detrimental in deciding plans for Demiral and also for Juve’s defence.
The Toffees have always remained interested in the former Sassuolo defender as Carlo Ancelotti aims to inject freshness in the defence and find a leader for the backline. Though the Merseysiders are well stacked in the central defence with Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate, a possible sale of one of them could open up a place.
Everton remain in the hunt for Merih Demiral
According to Calciomercato, Juventus defender Demiral is no longer non-transferrable and the Italian outfit will carefully study any proposition that arrives for the Turk. Furthermore, if an important offer arrives that is convincing, the club will be open to parting ways with the 23 year old.
This will surely act as a boost for Everton in the chase of the centre back. AC Milan were also in the chase for the 23 year old but their priority has now shifted to signing Fikayo Tomori permanently who has impressed everyone during his loan spell at San Siro, from Stefano Pioli to Paolo Maldini, everyone is in awe of the Chelsea loanee.
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Demiral is valued at £27 million (Transfrmarkt) and it will take a very important offer to convince Juventus. The report further states that Everton are now in the front row to sign the Turk and the Toffees manage to put up a convincing offer, Demiral will be theirs for taking. The question arises; do Everton need another centre back?
Do Everton need another centre back in Merih Demiral?
Carlo Ancelotti wants to find a leader in the rearguard which is why the names of Demiral and Kalidou Koulibaly refuse to go away. The Toffees still have a glimmer of hope of qualifying for Europe and if they do make the cut, an experienced and an able central defender will be a huge asset.
While Demiral may not be as experienced as someone like Koulibaly, the Turk has been impressive and is rated highly across Europe. However, an incoming central defender would mean that the Toffees will have five centre backs in their ranks with Jarrad Branthwaite also set to return from his loan.
It is very much possible that one of the defenders could be sold to generate funds and bring in someone like Demiral. Under Ancelotti, Everton will once again push for European football next season and will need apt resources and players at his disposal.
Next. Everton learn the price of 23 year old transfer target also wanted by Liverpool and Man City. dark
Should Everton pursue a deal for Merih Demiral?