Everton face competition from Aston Villa to sign €20m rated English teenager

Everton have been in the hunt for a winger despite signing Arnaut Danjuma on a loan deal from Villarreal. The Toffees want to add options out wide as they are out of depth in that region. Juventus academy product Samuel Iling-Junior has been on Everton’s radar but the Toffees face competition.

Everton sold Anthony Gordon in January to Newcastle United and released Andros Townsend after his deal expired in the summer. EFC were left with just three wide options in Demarai Gray, Dwight McNeil and Alex Iwobi. Iwobi has been diligent in playing at right wing but he offers much more creative threat when playing in the centre behind the striker. Danjuma’s arrival does offer some security but EFC remain determined to have more options on the flanks.

Leeds United winger Wilfried Gnonto is a target that has been followed by EFC since April. The Toffees have been in talks to sign the 19 year old but so far a move has not materialized. Lately, Gnonto’s entourage isn’t completely sold on the idea of moving to Everton and Leeds are pushing to keep the highly rated teenager despite their drop to the Championship.

Everton face Aston Villa competition for Samuel Iling-Junior

Brazilian winger Tete has emerged as a potential alternative to Gnonto. Juventus winger Iling-Junior is also an alternative to the Italian winger. According to Calciomercato, Everton and Aston Villa are in the race to sign Iling-Junior from the Bianconeri this summer.

The Old Lady are planning to offload several players to improve their financial condition. Juventus will not be playing in Europe this season and having a bloated squad doesn’t help their cause. Several names are expendable like Alex Sandro, Leonardo Bonucci and Denis Zakaria.  Among the younger names, Iling-Junior is attracting interest and his sale can bring a good amount of money to the Juventus coffers.

Everton have taken information about the Englishman and given his recent renewal with the Bianconeri, the Serie A outfit will demand at least €20 million for the winger. The 19 year old made his Juventus debut in 2022 and has gone onto make 12 Serie A appearances last season. Aston Villa are also in the chase, as was the case in Gnonto’s race. The Villians are looking to have adequate depth as they play in Europe this season and are determined to build on the strong performances of the 2022-23 season.

At €20 million, Iling-Junior is overpriced given his little experience in England. Everton do not have crazy money to spend this summer and prudent signings need to come through.

Should EFC sign Samuel Iling-Junior?