Youssef Chermiti not set to be available for Everton v Fulham as transfer news drops
The deal for Everton to bring Sporting striker Youssef Chermiti to the club is in the final stages, but still depends on some procedural issues, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese newspaper reported in its print edition [9 August, pg 11] that the 19-year-old is set to undergo medical tests later this week, and is not expected to be available for the Toffees’ Premier League opener against Fulham on 12 August.
Initial reports [Record, 8 August] had suggested the deal could have been finalised as early as Tuesday [8 August], but this ultimately turned out not to be the case.
Just get it over the line
There is no doubt that this deal will be finalised in the coming days, with everything agreed between the clubs and the player, but Everton should not count their chickens as you never know at this stage. They will still take their time to get everything 100% concluded before he arrives.
Everton were stung in January when Arnaut Danjuma, who has now joined the club on loan, performed a last-minute U-turn to move to Tottenham. This move will likely always leave a sense of worry in the minds of Everton fans.
Chermiti is set to arrive at Goodison Park this week, and while he may not feature against Fulham, he will be able to spend time adapting and getting to know his new teammates and new surroundings.
A new striker has been the priority at Everton this summer, and Chermiti looks to be the first stepping stone towards achieving their aims, but another striker will still be targeted to bring more experience alongside the unproven teenager.
In other Everton news, the club are watching proceedings amid £60million defender chase.