Arnaut Danjuma’s agent believes a long-awaited move to Everton is a case of ‘second time lucky’ after the Villarreal loanee opted for Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur instead during the January transfer window.
Lesser, weaker characters would have cowed in the face of nearly 40,000 wide-eyed, vein-popping supporters aiming jabs in their direction. But not Arnaut Danjuma; a player his representative affectionately refers to as a ‘nutcase’.
For the Dutch international, Michael Keane’s stunning last-gasp equaliser during Everton’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Goodison Park only enhanced Danjuma’s admiration for one of English football’s most vociferous fanbases, despite all the taunting that came his way from the terraces on that April evening.
“The thing with Everton is it has the institutional feel of a Newcastle, a Man united or a Chelsea,” agent Michael-Moses Jarman tells talkSPORT.
“He’s a nutcase, Danjuma. (Arnaut) was on the bench warming up when the goal went in, when Michael Keane scored. He felt like (there were) 40,000 people screaming in his ear. He loved it!
“(Joining Everton now is a case of) second time lucky!”
Former Tottenahm loanee Arnaut Danjuma finally joins Everton
Danjuma may have something of a point to prove in his new home; joining Everton on loan last week six months after turning down the Toffees at the ‘eleventh hour’ in favour of Spurs instead.
“He was supposed to go to Everton (in January),” adds Jarman, the departure of Frank Lampard causing Danjuma’s feet to go cold. “They were leading the conversation right up until the manager got sacked,”
“Out of nowhere, in the 59th minute, at the eleventh hour, Tottenham usurped everything We made a snapshot decision to change course.
“You (have to) make a decision. Spurs were fourth, offering Champions League football.”
Danjuma would end up starting just one Premier League game as Tottenham eventually finished a distant eighth place. Jarman, meanwhile, is pleased to see his client finally end up on the blue side of Stanley Park, having struck up a good relationship with leading figures behind the scenes at Everton.
“Everton is a fantastic football club. It’s easy for me to say because Danjuma is there but, honestly, the people behind scenes are special,” says Jarman, singling out director Kevin Thelwell.
“They are honestly nice nice human beings. When we decided to make the switch (to Tottenham), there was something within me that didn’t sit right knowing you were letting down good, honest people. That was the toughest thing for me as an agent.
“I would love to have a relationship (with Everton).”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
