Everton striker Cenk Tosun insists he is ‘100 per cent’ certain to leave the Premier League after receiving a money-spinning offer from the Middle East, speaking via Ajansspor.
In the aftermath of Everton’s crushing 5-1 final day defeat to Arsenal, Tosun bid a heartfelt farewell to the Toffees supporters on Instagram.
Though you’d have been forgiven for forgetting that the Turkey international was still plying his trade at Goodison Park.
Following in the footsteps of Marco Silva, Rafa Benitez and Carlo Ancelotti, Frank Lampard became the latest in a long line of Everton managers who opted against handing the £27 million misfit a run of games in that famous blue shirt.
Tosun leaves having played just six minutes of Premier League football in 2021/22.
But, speaking to reporters back home in Turkey, the former Besiktas ace insists that there can be no doubts about his fitness, with the seldom-seen centre-forward looking to make up for lost time away from Stanley Park.
Where next for Everton’s Cenk Tosun?
“I’m very fit right now, fitter than I’ve ever been. I feel super,” says Tosun, who’s contract expires in July. “I aim to have a successful season with my new team. There are offers from Turkey, England, Spain, America and Dubai.”
Tosun has been linked with a return to Besiktas, but president Ahmet Nur Cebi admits that a return to Istanbul is far from certain due to the forward’s substantial wage demands. According to Sabah, Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Hilal are offering Tosun a two-year deal, worth around £80,000-a-week.
“I want to play for teams that are fighting for championships and have a European goal because I love that competitive excitement. I miss that excitement,” Tosun adds.
“I’ll leave England, 100 per cent. It does not seem possible for me to play for teams chasing trophies in the Premier League. Other offers don’t excite me at all.
“It’s not about money. I miss the title race. That’s why I’m going to a competitive team with goals. For me, these conditions do not exist in England.”
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Tosun, who turns 31 in June, reportedly asked for around £30,000 a week when holding talks with Besiktas recently. A pay-packet the Super Lig giants are unwilling – or unable – to match.
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