Asmir Begovic set to complete Everton medical on Saturday
Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic is expected to complete a medical on Saturday ahead of his expected move to Everton, according to Haris Mrkonja.
The Sarajevo-based journalist made the claim via his verified Twitter profile, which is followed by Daily Telegraph correspondent Matt Law, on Saturday morning [17/07/21].
Regarding his fellow countryman, he wrote: “Asmir Begović will complete his medical today, and will be a new player for Everton.”
Mrkonja also says Begovic “will most likely sign a contract for one year, with a one year option.”
Solid back-up
The 34-year-old may not be the most exciting start to the Rafa Benitez era at Everton, but he could be a savvy signing as a reliable number two goalkeeper to Jordan Pickford.
Begovic was an extremely consistent shot-stopper during his Portsmouth and Stoke City days in the Premier League, before making a further 19 top-flight outings for Chelsea.
He then made 62 Premier League appearances for Bournemouth, though his form tailed off towards the back end of that spell before he was shipped out on loan to Qarabag, who he won the Azerbaijan league with in 2020, and Italian giants AC Milan.
However, he regained his Cherries spot last season and his performances in the second-tier earned him a place in the EFL Championship Team of the Season.
That has seen his stock rise again, and he will be confident that he can prove his credentials once more in the Premier League.
Is he better than last season’s deputy Robin Olsen? It’s debatable, but it’s hard to say there’s a whole lot between the two.
Intriguingly, though, Begovic is classed as “home-grown” after starting his career in England with Portsmouth [Guardian].
As such, that ticks a valuable box in terms of the squad quota, and probably goes a fair way to explaining the signing.
In other Everton news, French-born powerhouse international wants Blues move amid Rafa Benitez lure.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on Everton and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell