As Everton focus on signing new forwards, attention must also be given to selling players as funds need to be raised. A number of Everton players are attracting interest from Europe and beyond with backup keeper Asmir Begovic being linked with a move away from Goodison Park.
Since Jordan Pickford’s transfer to Everton, he has been the undisputed starter between the sticks. However, the Toffees have failed to nail down the backup keeper position. They have gone from Maarten Steklenburg to Robin Olsen to finally Begovic.
The Bosnian keeper arrived at Goodison Park in the summer of 2021 when Rafa Benitez was in charge. The veteran signing was seen as a net positive given the experience he brought and the cherry on the cake was that he arrived on a free transfer, on a one year contract.
In his first season, Begovic made seven appearances with three of them coming in the Premier League. Back in the summer, a decision had to be made, whether to renew Bgovic’s contract or let him walk away as a free agent and trust Joao Virginia with the backup duties of the goalkeeper. Virginia is still in his early twenties and needs to learn the trick of the trade, for which, he needs to play regularly. Hence, the Portuguese was sent out on loan and Begovic’s deal was extended for a year.
Everton keeper Asmir Begovic attracting interest from Al-Nassr
In the 2022-23 season, the former Bournemouth keeper has just made three appearances so far and as expected has served as the backup keeper to Pickford. Begovic has just played one Premier League game and is unlikely to feature this season as EFC are out of all cup competitions. Unless Pickford picks up an injury, the 35 year old will not take command between the sticks.
According to journalist Mark McAdam, the Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr have submitted a bid for Begovic. Everton have rejected the bid as they have only three keepers in the squad. Eldin Jakupovic has joined Los Angeles FC in January. Begovic’s deal is running out in the summer and it is expected that Al-Nassr will return with a second bid in the coming days.
Everton are unlikely to sell him as selling him will force them to go into the market and sign a new goalkeeper. With just a week to go in the transfer market and focus still on signing attackers, EFC will not want to add extra work on their to-do list especially now that a new manager also needs to be appointed.
Will Asmir Begovic leave Everton?