Everton timeline for the sensational defender signing emerges as perfect line up replacement already made for Branthwaite
Everton are expected to sign Jesper Lindstrom “in a few days” with Napoli already eyeing Benfica’s David Neres as a replacement, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Italian newspaper reported via its print edition on Monday (July 22, page 10), that the Danish winger, who was close to joining Liverpool last season, will join the Toffees on loan with an option to buy for around £20million.
Everton and Napoli have already agreed on everything with all the details expected to be finalised soon (Calcio Mercato, 20 July).
The news comes soon after Napoli’s sporting director accelerated negotiations for Lindstrom [Sebastien Vidal, July 19].
The Italian club are happy with a loan-to-buy agreement, with Lindstrom keen to leave after a poor Serie A season in Naples, and Brazilian winger Neres is being eyed as his replacement.
Everton set to add more firepower despite takeover collapse
Everton are pushing forward with their transfer plans even after the collapse of Dan Friedkin’s takeover bid.
The Toffees were already deep in talks to sign Lindstrom when the news broke, and it hasn’t disrupted negotiations with Napoli. This summer’s transfer window remains on track, with Everton already securing Iliman Ndiaye, Tim Ireogbunam, and the return of Jack Harrison on loan.
Adding Lindstrom would provide Sean Dyche with much-needed depth on the wings, alongside Dwight McNeil and Harrison.
The potential sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for £50million and the likely departure of Dominic Calvert-Lewin could provide additional funds for further signings.
The Toffees are also reportedly interested in Wilfried Gnonto from Leeds United [CaughtOffside, July 18], meaning that more signings could be on the horizon. Despite the uncertainty at the top, Everton’s management, led by Kevin Thelwell and Dyche, are focused on strengthening the squad.
Lindstrom would be a low-risk addition on loan, bringing experience from the highest levels of competition. With more moves likely, Everton fans can hope for an exciting and competitive squad in the upcoming season.
In other Everton news, a player Pep Guardiola called “exceptional” last season is now a leading transfer target for the Toffees.
Rio Ferdinand has admitted that he wasn’t surprised to see Everton gem Jarrad Branthwaite left out of the England squad for Euro 2024.
The 21-year-old defender had been included in Gareth Southgate’s initial preliminary squad ahead of this summer’s tournament but was one of those to not make the cut for the final 26-man squad.
Although the Three Lions boss’ decision has left a number of pundits and supporters baffled, TNT pundit Ferdinand insists that Branthwaite hasn’t yet shown that he is capable of playing in a possession-based side.
Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE YouTube channel (10 June) he said: “I don’t see it as a surprise.
