‘We’ve kept in contact’ – ’14 World Cup winner linked to Everton details Ancelotti dialogue
Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira has revealed he still talks to Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti as rumours mount over recent weeks that he could be set for a move to the Toffees.
Khedira, who won the 2014 World Cup with Germany, is currently stranded at Juventus in Italy, where he is unwanted by boss Andrea Pirlo, another former favourite of Ancelotti from their time together at AC Milan.
Ancelotti managed Khedira at Real Madrid between 2013-15, and the connection enjoyed by the pair seems to have spilled over into the present day, something that will do little do quell the persistent rumours that the 33-year-old is poised to sign for Everton.
In an exclusive interview with Raphael Honigstein in The Athletic, Khedira revealed he is still close with Ancelotti, “We’ve kept in contact over the years.
“Him and Jose [Mourinho] are both amazing personalities from whom I’ve learned so much, about the game and about myself. They’re both at clubs that play an important role in the league. So let’s see what happens.”
Khedira has made no secret of his desire to make a move to the Premier League, telling Honigstein, “The Premier League is still missing in my collection, to play there would be the icing on the cake.
“I’ve done extra sessions with fitness coaches to get myself ready for the pace and intensity in the Premier League.”
Stocked-up Toffees
While Khedira himself might fancy a Premier League move, and favour Everton with his close links to Ancelotti, whether Everton need him is another matter.
Despite his impressive CV, Khedira’s powers are on the wane and, at 33-years-old, they appear unlikely to be reignited, particularly with his poor injury record.
Khedira has failed to reach the 20 game mark in the last two seasons, and is yet to play in the current campaign after being axed from their Champions League squad, and deemed surplus to requirements in Serie A.
Everton signed two experienced central midfielders in the summer with the purchases of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Allan, while they also retain Andre Gomes and Tom Davies as important rotational members of their squad.
Further options can be found in Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin, who are both susceptible to injury troubles themselves.
As such, despite the continued links to Khedira that seem unlikely to vanquish until the closure of the January transfer window, it would be a surprise if Ancelotti made a move for his former player, regardless of their close friendship.
In other Everton news, Ancelotti gives positive injury news on key duo.