Moussa Sissoko chose to join Tottenham over Everton.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has told the Daily Express that Moussa Sissoko did want a move to Goodison Park before joining Tottenham Hotspur on deadline day.
The final day of the summer transfer window was an action-packed one, and much of the attention was on Moussa Sissoko as he attempted to earn a move away from Championship side Newcastle United.
Portugal’s Adrien Silva in action with France’s Moussa Sissoko
The level of interest in Sissoko’s signature was something of a surprise, as whilst he starred for France at Euro 2016, he struggled in large spells of last season as Newcastle suffered relegation from the Premier League.
However, a real battle ensued in the dying embers of the transfer window, with Everton and Tottenham fighting to sign Sissoko – and it was the North Londoners who ended up winning the race.
France’s Moussa Sissoko in action with Switzerland’s Admir Mehmedi
As reported by Sky Sports, Sissoko’s move to White Hart Lane was a dramatic one; Everton actually agreed a £30m deal with the Magpies to sign Sissoko, but when manager Ronald Koeman attempted to call the player to finalise details of the move, Sissoko didn’t respond.
Whilst Everton were still retaining hope of signing Sissoko, Tottenham swooped in and matched the £30m deal, luring the 27-year-old to White Hart Lane with the lure of playing Champions League football this season.
Whilst the Toffees did end up signing West Ham attacker Enner Valencia on loan, Sissoko’s snub capped off a disappointing deadline for Everton, and fans were a little underwhelmed after missing out on a number of other transfer targets too.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Today, ahead of Monday’s clash with Sunderland, Toffees boss Koeman has spoken to the Daily Express about the Sissoko situation – and even claims that the midfielder actually wanted a move to Goodison Park last month when contact was first initiated.
The Dutchman added that he felt Sissoko was just what Everton needed, but feels his squad is very good even after failing to sign the midfielder last week.
“The player Sissoko chose finally for a different option, but I can’t say anything against the club, the board, the chairman because he did everything to get the player,” said Koeman. “I did not do the meeting with his agents, but from the outside it was difficult. I spoke to the player 10-days before the last day of the window and the player showed his interest in coming to Everton.”
“Then, finally, everyone knows what happens. He was the player for us that we needed at the moment – then the picture was totally perfect. But still without that player the picture is very good,” he added.
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