The Lyon winger is currently negotiating a new deal, but will he regret not signing for the Toffees?
Lyon’s Rachid Ghezzal has explained to Canal + (via RMC Sport) why he snubbed a move to Everton during the summer transfer window.
The Daily Mail reported that the Toffees were prepared to pay £9 million plus a 20 per cent sell-on clause for the Algerian winger, whose contract expires at the end of the current campaign.
However, Ghezzal was said to have turned down the move as his father was keen for him to remain in France.
The 24-year-old, though, has expanded on his thought process, in an interview with Canal + (via RMC Sport).
“It’s not just the money that interests me. I also look at the sporting prospects. We play in the Champions League, and have a good group,” he said.
“I wouldn’t go for the money. Everton was less interesting than Lyon.”
In the meantime, Ghezzal has confirmed he is negotiating a new deal with his current employers, with all parties keen to reach an agreement.
However, should the two teams’ continue their contrasting starts to the campaign, the six-cap international may soon regret his decision to stay put.
Everton are currently fifth in the Premier League, with only goal difference keeping them out of the Champions League places, while Lyon lost for the third time this season at Lorient on Saturday and are ninth in the standings.
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