Report – Everton hit major snag in £27.4m deal, medical already completed
Everton have been left in limbo over their attempted move to sign Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes, according to the Independent.
A report from the national outlet suggests that the Toffees were eager to wrap up a £27.4 million deal for the 22-year-old early doors this summer, but have hit a snag due to the ongoing Coronavirus pandemic.
It is understood that the Lille star has already completed off-site medicals for the Blues, but without any certainty over when the transfer window will officially open, there are concerns that the delay could allow him to reevaluate the options open to him.
Both PSG and Leicester City are also credited with an interest in the player, who will be allowed to leave the Ligue 1 side this summer, despite only recently agreeing a new contract in France.
A contract offer from the Toffees has already been tabled, but no concrete agreement has been met with the player.
What does this mean for the Toffees?
Well, it isn’t great news, that’s for sure.
At this stage, there are positives to be drawn from the fact that a deal could still go ahead, but it’s fair to say that things are looking a lot less certain than they were this time a few days ago.
For his part, Gabriel is a great talent, who is still young and who could be a fantastic asset for the Blues.
So far this season he has averaged a pass completion rate in excess of 86%, as well as winning 71.1% of his defensive duels, as per Wyscout.
As a point of reference, Yerry Mina has won 68.3% of his defensive duels.
But now, with this period of uncertainty throwing a major spanner in the works, we just have to hope that a deal can still be gotten over the line.
In other Everton news, Toffees 26y/o has played his last game for the club.