Youssef Chermiti remains ‘focused’ on Sporting Lisbon and is surprised about reports suggesting he is set for a potential £17 million move to Premier League outfit Everton.
After Fabrizio Romano broke the news on Monday – reporting that Everton had reached a verbal agreement with Primeira Liga giants Sporting Lisbon regarding a move for the talented Portugal U19 international – it did not take long for subsequent reports to spread like wildfire.
A whole variety of publications in both England and Iberia are now claiming that Youssef Chermiti’s big-money move to Goodison Park is only a matter of time.
Everton close in on Youssef Chermiti deal with Sporting Lisbon
Everton will reportedly pay £13 million, rising to £17 million for the powerhouse teenager. The Daily Mail even suggest that Sean Dyche’s will snatch the 6ft 4ins Chermiti under the noses of Wolves. AFC Bournemouth were also interested. Ditto Belgian giants Genk.
But while most reports are looking at the deal through the perspective of either Everton or Sporting Lisbon, how does the player himself feel about things? Well, a little taken aback, it seems. ‘Surprised’, to quote one report.
Speaking to O Jogo, a source close to the deal explains that Chermti ‘remains focused’ on continuing his career in the Portuguese capital. The striker, who has a £70 million release clause in his contract, is ‘surprised’ about the rapid pace of negotiations.
Everton agreement close
This does not mean, of course, that Chermiti is destined to do like Anthony Elanga, Rodrigo Moreno and El Bilal Toure; turning his nose up at a potential move to the blue side of Stanley Park.
But its easy to forget – amid the cold-hearted business of the transfer window – that there is also a human aspect to consider. After spending the last seven years at Sporting, Chermiti now faces being forced to uproot his Lisbon life and embark upon an all new adventure some 2,500 miles north.
“He has a very strong physical capacity. A great ability to play with his back to goal. Good at playing at speed, attacking the defence. (Chermiti can also) arrive in the box with a good ability to finish,” Chermiti’s former coach, Filipe Pedro, tells TSF.
“Youssef has a lot of room to improve. We cannot say, just because he created a chance against Benfica (on his debut in January), that he is ready. But, sometimes, it’s better to look for solutions at home; (players) with qualities that can be taken advantage of and may even add something to the squad.
“(Players who) may even, in the future, represent sales for the club. Youssef fits this profile.”
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