Youssef Chermiti did not take part in first-team training woth Sporting Lisbon on Thursday as the striker closes in on a £13 million move to Premier League outfit Everton.
That is according to Portuguese publication Record, who say that the striker is ‘finalising’ his move to Goodison Park.
Everton have had a bid of £13 million – rising to £17 million with add-ons – accepted by Sporting Lisbon. Youssef Chermiti’s father then all-but confirmed as much, in conversation with Fabrizio Romano.
All the signs, then, point to Sean Dyche finally getting the forward he craves, after Everton missed out on the likes of El Bilal Toure.
Everton close in on Youssef Chermiti deal
Chermiti, Record add, is no longer considered part of Ruben Amorim’s ‘options’ at Sporting. The Portugal U19 has reportedly collected his belongings from the club’s training ground already, and – should everything progress smoothly – be in line to make his Everton debut on the opening day of the new Premier League season.
Everton host Fulham on August 12th. Ironically enough, they will also take on Chermiti’s current employers this weekend, though it remains to be seen if the 6ft 4ins teenager is officially unveiled as a Toffees player before that final pre-season friendly kicks off.
Chermiti has scored just three goals in 22 Sporting Lisbon games. Everton obviously feel that the 19-year-old is a special talent who can be moulded into a reliable Premier League marksman under Dyche, a coach who achieved the enviable feat of getting double-digit seasons out of Chris Wood, Sam Vokes and Ashley Barnes in England’s top-flight.
Sporting, meanwhile, have already paved the way for Chermiti’s departure; signing Viktor Gyokeres from Coventry City for a cool £20 million.
“(Chermiti) is someone who would grow. But, with the signing of (new Sporting striker Viktor) Gyokeres and the existence of Paulinho, it will be more difficult to have as many opportunities as he would like,” former Sporting midfielder Litos tells Radio Renascenca.
“At this point, for the player himself, I believe (moving to Everton) is a good option.
“(English) clubs, when they sign players, (the contracts are) for at least five years. They are players who can develop without the tremendous pressure that often exists, unfortunately, in Portuguese football.
“These English clubs give time for these kids to grow.”
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