Everton were tracking the talented youngster last summer.
KRC Genk’s Sander Berge
Highly-rated Norwegian youngster Sander Berge’s former manager Kjetil Rekdal spoke exclusively to Belgian media outlet Sport/Foot, and suggested how the Toffees missed out on signing the 19-year-old last summer because they did not offer enough money.
Berge eventually moved to Genk in January, for the nominal fee of just £1.7 million – quite the bargain for a young player with so much potential.
Rekdal, who managed the midfielder during their time together at Valerenga, told Sport/Foot how Everton missed out on signing Berge after failing to match the Jupiler league side’s offer:
“Of course, Sander wanted to go to the Premier League, but Everton weren’t being generous enough. Genk were offering more. I told their CEO and director of football that Berge would be their best transfer. I think I convinced them to break their piggy bank and I think they’re glad to have done so.”
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
With Ronald Komean’s squad undoubtedly in need of an injection of youth, the Norwegian youngster would have been the deal addition last summer, that is not to say that they have missed their chance, however.
After seeing him perform well in Belgium this season, the Toffees could very well be tempted to go back in for the 19-year-old this summer.
With Gareth Barry nearing the end of his playing career, the addition of another defensive midfielder will surely feature highly on Koeman’s priority list, and Berge could be the perfect man for the job.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
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