Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee has revealed he was a target for Everton before rejecting the Premier League club in favour of the Bundesliga champions, speaking to Het Laaste Nieuws.
But will he regret that decision now? After struggling for opportunities under Hansi Flick at the Allianz Arena, the 20-year-old Dutchman would have been desperate to leave a lasting impression on new Bayern coach Julian Nagelsmann in pre-season.
And he did just that – just not in the way he would have liked.
A scarcely believable miss during a 2-2 friendly with Ajax in July was beamed across the globe, turning Zirkzee into the punchline of a cruel joke while prompting a public telling off from a clearly unimpressed Nagelsmann (Goal).
A few weeks later, Zirkzee was on his way to Anderlecht, farmed out on loan for a second time since the turn of the year.
So, having started just four Bundesliga games since his 2017 arrival, if Zirkzee could turn back the clock would he give a move to Merseyside greater consideration now?
Why did Joshua Zirkzee reject Everton?
“I could have gone to Everton. They pushed hard but breaking through (into the first team) in England is difficult,” the £14 million-rated Zirkzee said.
The struggles of Moise Kean at Goodison Park springs to mind.
“Bayern was different. They really wanted me. Bayern made a great effort. Who would say no?”
Zirkzee rebuffed Everton’s advances four years ago and, interestingly, he did so again. The Toffees made a £9 million bid for their long-time transfer target during the January 2021 transfer window.
Zirkzee put pen to paper at Parma instead, however, joining the Serie A outfit as he believed opportunities would be easier to come by at the Stadio Ennio Tardini.
Five months later, Parma were heading for the drop while Zirkzee was nursing a medial ligament injury on the treatment table.
Best laid plans and all that…
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
