Everton are reportedly among clubs keen to sign free agent striker Adnan Januzaj this summer, according to Spanish outlet AS (via Sport Witness).
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Adnan Januzaj
The truth: future star
Snatched from Anderlecht’s academy, Januzaj was a prodigious talent in Manchester’s youth ranks and burst onto the scene scoring twice including the winning goal against Sunderland in the Premier League aged just 18.
Subsequently heralded as one of Europe’s brightest talents, the 27-year-old had even been compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and compared to Barcelona legend Johan Cruyff by United manager David Moyes.
Since then, the Belgium international striker has shown glimpses of returning to his best form at Real Sociedad, contributing directly to 44 goals in 166 outings before being released by the La Liga outfit this summer…
The last: “Closer and closer”
According to AS, translated by SW, Everton are among the clubs interested in signing the 15-cap ace.
It is claimed that Januzaj is ‘increasingly closer’ to making a decision on his future amid other interests from West Ham, Napoli and Sevilla.
In fact, the report also says there is ‘no shortage of offers’ for the man who was hailed as ‘wonderfully gifted’ by former Goodison Park boss Moyes during their time at Manchester.
The verdict: No cost, no risk?
Still holding a market value of £10.8million despite his free agent status (Transfermarkt), signing Januzaj for nothing would be a sensational Kevin Thelwell and Frank Lampard deal.
Although the initial hype was never quite realized, last season the Belgian ballet scored five times and provided three assists in 44 appearances in all competitions, earning a 6.81 Sofascore rating while also surpassing Anthony Gordon in averaging 1.4 dribbles per outing in the Spanish top. flight compared to the 1.1 successful attempts of the young Blue.
Able to play on both wings and in a central position, Januzaj – who shares similar traits with Barcelona star Raphinha, Tottenham striker Lucas Moura and Everton’s Demarai Gray (Fbref) – represents an entirely viable option for the Blues to bolster the attacking ranks without diving. in the budget, leaving money in the coffers to support other areas accordingly.
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