Everton explored option to sign Michy Batshuayi, player happy in Turkey
Everton explored the option to sign Fenerbahce striker Michy Batshuayi before Tuesday’s deadline (31 January), according to David Ornstein.
The Atheltic journalist wrote on the deadline day live blog (31 January, 6.24 pm), that the former Chelsea striker is happy at the Turkish club, and he wasn’t keen on the move.
The 29-year-old has scored 10 goals in 14 Super Lig appearances, and he is reportedly enjoying his time under Jorge Jesus.
Batshuayi was only willing to move for a more stable project, which suggests that a move to Merseyside probably didn’t appeal to him.
“Everton explored the possibility of signing Michy Batshuayi from Fenerbahce before tonight’s transfer deadline,” wrote Ornstein for The Atheltic.
“But the 29-year-old striker is happy at the Turkish club and is enjoying playing under Jorge Jesus.
“Batshuayi has been in fine form this season, scoring 10 goals in 14 Super Lig appearances, and would only have considered moving for a more stable project.”
Time is out
The fears start to creep in.
This was a window the club needed to capitalise. And yet they messed it up yet again.
The club lost one of their star players – Anthony Gordon – to Newcastle, and they failed to replace him.
Batshuayi would have been a very good addition to the club. He is a proven goalscorer and has got loads of Premier League experience.
However, such is the state of Everton at the moment, players are afraid of making the switch.
Everton made a bold attempt to sign Connor Gallagher but he rejected the opportunity to move to Goodison Park.
The club also tried to sign Arnaut Danjuma but he chose to join Tottenham Hotspur instead.
They also lost the battle to sign Kamaldeen Sulemana who moved to Southampton. It was a dreadful window.
It will need a herculean effort to save the club. It’s really unfortunate that Dyche didn’t get the necessary help he needed in this market.
The club made a very late decision to sack Frank Lampard, and Dyche hardly had time to assess the market and bring in players of his choice.