Everton man in talks to join MLS side Los Angeles FC on a free transfer

Back in September, Everton faced an immediate goalkeeper crisis as two out of the three available goalkeepers had picked up injuries. To combat the issue, the Toffees entered the free agent market and signed Eldin Jakupovic to provide cover.

Jordan Pickford suffered a thigh injury in the first week of Spetember, keeping him sidelined for three to four weeks. Veteran Andy Lonergan also picked up a knee injury in training and youngsters Joao Virginia and Harry Tryer out on loan at Cambur and Chester respectively, left Asmir Begovic as the only goalkeeper at Frank Lampard’s disposal.

In a bid to have a backup keeper on a short term basis, Everton signed former Leicester City shot stopper Jakupovic on a free transfer. The Swiss man did not even sign a contract till the end of the season and is there on an ultra-short term basis.

Unsurprisingly, the 38 year old did not make any appearance for the Toffees and, in fact, made it to the bench only once. When Pickford and Lonergan returned, Jakupovic was surplus to requirements and tumbled down the pecking order as the fourth choice keeper.

Everton keeper Eldin Jakupovic in talks to join Los Angeles FC

According to Football Insider, Everton keeper Jakupovic is in advanced talks to sign for MLS side Los Angeles FC. As mentioned before, the former Hull City man signed for Everton on an ultra short term deal and his deal is expiring at the end of this month. The 38 year old is now poised to join Los Angeles on a free transfer once his deal runs out with the Toffees.

Negotiations have reached an advanced stage and the deal is close to being finalized. An agreement is expected to be reached by the end of the week and the player will move to USA to link up with Gareth Bale.

Eldin Jakupovic will add depth to Los Angeles’ goalkeeping options as their current first choice keeper Maxime Crepeau is recovering from a broken leg injury. The Toffees are happy to let him go on a free transfer as his deal is anyway expiring at the end of this month and offloading him sooner will save them a few quid in weekly wages.

Everton want to bring reinforcements to the club and have been linked to a number of attacking options but the money is scarce and needs to be spent wisely. Moreover, there are dark clouds hovering over Frank Lampard’s head as pressure piles on after the string of poor results.