Eldin Jakupovic closes in on Everton exit to Los Angeles FC to kick off potential busy January
Eldin Jakupovic is closing in on a move to Los Angeles FC in the first of what could be a number of January moves for Everton, TEAMtalk reports.
The 38-year-old goalkeeper hasn’t made a senior appearance for the Toffees following his arrival earlier this season during an injury crisis at his position.
With LAFC starter Maxime Crepeau currently recovering from a broken leg the one time Swiss international is set to fulfil a similar role at the MLS side.
Jordan Pickford and Andy Lonergan were both unavailable in September, leaving Asmir Begovic as the only fit senior option in goal, which led to free agent Jukpovic arriving.
He is now due to leave on a free transfer in what could be a number of moves for Everton during the winter window, with the likes of Abdoulaye Doucoure and Mason Holgate attracting interest, and Frank Lampard in dire need of attacking reinforcements.
First of many?
The life of a reserve goalkeeper can be a thankless one and some will have forgotten he was ever at the club in a few years after he is gone.
But he did his job in providing cover at a time of need and will now make space for potential incomings that are desperately needed.
The future of Pickford has been called into question of late but any imminent movement for the England number one seems more unlikely if one of his backups is on the way out now.
The Toffees defence has taken a significant downturn in form after a strong start to the season, but the attack is still the weakness of the current squad.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s return is a boost but Lampard needs goals fast, with Richarlison’s production still yet to be replaced six months after his exit.
Any space on the wage bill that Jakupovic’s, and potentially Doucoure’s and Holgate’s, exits provide is likely to be needed to facilitate arrivals up front, while the futures of Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Tom Davies are also far from certain.