Luuk Kluiters reveals Everton move fell through due to work permit issues
Luuk Kluiters was close to joining Everton after impressing during a trial at Finch Farm, but the club were unable to get a work permit for him.
The Toffees were keen on adding a centre-back to their under-23 squad in the summer transfer window, but were unable to agree a fee with Wigan Athletic for James Carragher [Liverpool Echo].
They turned attention to Dutch defender Kluiters, 18, but he is now with French outfit Lille and has taken to his personal Instagram account to share how close he came to joining Everton.
He said: “A couple of weeks ago I made a deal with Everton.
“Unfortunately, I didn’t get a work permit and the deal was off.
“Still, I would like to give a huge thank you to Everton for the opportunity.
“Luckily, God opened a new door for me and today I am very delighted to have signed my first contract at this beautiful club Lille.
“As ever, the hard work continues. Looking forward to the season ahead.”
Brexit!
Kluiters would not have had a problem sealing a move to Goodison Park some months ago, but the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union means it is now difficult for underage players to move to the Premier League.
The Dutchman was not able to meet the required criteria after changes to the rules following Brexit, but getting a move to France was no issue.
Everton director of football Marcel Brands surely has contacts back home who knows one or two things about the former AZ Alkmaar youth team player.
The right-footed centre-back would have been a decent addition to the Toffees under-23s, and manager Rafa Benitez could have even looked at him as a possible option at right-back going forward.
Brands was AZ’s director of football between 2005 and 2010, and the teenager would have come highly recommended, but the Everton chief will not be able to raid his old club for potential first-team players anytime soon from the look of things.
In other Everton news, Toffees were dealt blow as major development ruled out potential last-gasp deal.
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