Everton have significant advantage in Edon Zhegrova chase after £20m Dwight McNeil bid
Everton seem likely to go back in for the signing of Juventus winger Edon Zhegrova this summer.
The playmaker has been underutilised at the Allianz Stadium this season, and as a result, David Moyes tried to sign him in the winter market.
A deal with the Bionconeri didn’t materialise, but after reports this week suggested that they are willing to let the 26-year-old go in the summer, a move could be back on the cards.
Zhegrova has shown his quality in the past for Lille in France, and could be keen on testing himself at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton could come out financially better from Edon Zhegrova transfer, this is why
As highlighted by Sofascore, Zhegrova’s average rating in the Serie A this season is 6.67, something which has been negatively impacted by his lack of game time.
Juventus signed the forward for a package deal that totalled £17.3million after add-ons last summer, but his transfer market value has now likely fallen.
- Juventus signed Zhegrova from Lille in September
- He scored 26 goals for Lille
- He also padded 17 assists for the French side
Crystal Palace’s failed £20m bid to sign Dwight McNeil in the dying stages of the winter window shocked many, including Blues fans.
More so for the transfer fee above anything else. But, considering the Toffees winger is still a part of Moyes’ squad and is contributing, that value could stay the same when it comes to a possible summer sale.
Given Zhegrova’s value has probably fallen from £17.3m, Everton could end up bringing a McNeil replacement for way less than they may make for the latter. It could tempt the Friedkin Group even more.
What has been said about Edon Zhegrova?
Juventus have a star-studded squad so it’s easy to see why Zhegrova has had issues with breaking into the first team.
But that doesn’t mean Everton could be interested in signing a man who is short of talent, as his time at Lille proves otherwise.
Zhegrova’s last season for Lille (all comps 2024-25):
- Games: 21
- Goals: Eight
- Assists: Two
Zhegrova’s former manager, Paulo Fonseca, talked about his delight for the former after he netted two goals in Lille’s 2-1 derby win over Lens back in 2024.
Fonseca said, as quoted by Telegrafi: “Zhegrova was decisive in attack; he scored two goals. I talk a lot with my players, and especially with Edon. We have to reach the last 30 meters and be decisive. I think he has progressed from this point of view.”
There’s no doubt about his quality, and given the Friedkin Group’s track record of shrewd signings, he could be one to look out for as the summer window approaches.
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