Everton ‘to beat Sunderland’ to Kerem Akturkoglu signing with high transfer fee ready
Everton are speeding up their recruitment drive after a fairly tepid start to the transfer window.
There has been talk of big money being spent and marquee signings through the door, but so far, there has been a rather steady approach.
Everton are closing in on the signing of Thierno Barry from Villarreal, having already acquired Carlos Alcaraz permanently.
Now, the Toffees have switched their attention to Benfica winger Kerem Akturkoglu.
Everton among clubs interested in Akturkoglu
With the signing of the forward near completion, former Toffees scout Bryan King told Goodison News that Barry could be presented as an Everton player on Wednesday (9 July).
The 22-year-old has reportedly travelled to Merseyside to complete his medical, and supporters will be keeping a close eye on the news.
It seems that David Moyes could follow up that signing with Akturkoglu, with whom the North West club have a historical interest.
The Toffees were reportedly one of several clubs interested in the Turkish international two years ago and could reignite their interest this summer.
Demand is high in Akturkoglu, with Everton keeping tabs on the 26-year-old, according to Kutlu Akpinar (8 July).
| Kerem Akturkoglu’s 2024/25 Liga Portugal statistics | Total |
| Appearances | 30 |
| Goals | 11 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 9.67 |
| Assists | 9 |
| Expected assists (xA) | 4.95 |
| Big chances created | 17 |
The journalist reports that if the winger moves to Turkey, then he would only consider a return to Galatasaray.
Nottingham Forest were the first Premier League club to contact Benfica, with £38.8million requested.
While demand is high, negotiations continue, and Sunderland are also interested in Akturkoglu; they are reportedly in a position to pay a high fee due to their budget.
Toffees should try to negotiate Akturkoglu price
Looking at Akturkoglu’s statistics, it is evident that he has been a clinical player for Benfica.
Outscoring your expected goals and assists is no easy feat, and it is no wonder that a host of clubs are interested this summer.
However, the £38.8million demanded fee would probably be a sticking point for some, although his statistics back up the price tag.
Sunderland have already broken their transfer record twice this summer, but surely they would not break it a third time.
This would put Everton in a stronger position, seeing as they have only paid out on Alcaraz so far, with talk of Barry costing only £27.5million.
That means that the Toffees should still have plenty of money in the bank to trump the Black Cats in the signing of Akturkoglu.
Moreover, Moyes is short on wingers, and this is an area he will be looking to strengthen.
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