The German goalkeeper was available at a cut price fee.
Barcelona’s Munir El Haddadi celebrates scoring the third goal and Leicester City’s Ron-Robert Zieler reacts
This summer saw Everton make several moves in the transfer market that have certainly left a mark.
Idrissa Gana Gueye and Ashley Williams are shrewd buys, whilst Yannick Bolasie represents something more of a blockbuster signature.
But the signing of Maarten Stekelenburg was seen as one to play back-up to a new goalkeeper.
Everton’s Maarten Stekelenburg
Everton lost Tim Howard in the summer and Joel Robles did little to win over the fans. But the Dutch veteran has struggled in English football, so not many were expecting him to be the number one.
Ronald Koeman however has put his faith in his countryman, but surely Everton missed an opportunity with another goalkeeper making a move.
England’s Joe Hart
Joe Hart is the obvious choice, but in reality it is Ron-Robert Zieler who Everton missed out on.
Hart would have been a short-term fix and an expensive one at that. Koeman clearly wants to build something and a permanent number one is needed.
Zieler was one of the Bundesliga’s best ‘keepers last term and has been capped by the German national team.
Leicester City got the former Manchester United youngster for a fee in the region of £3 million – as reported by the Mirror – from Hannover.
Lukas Podolski – Germany celebrates victory with trophy and Ron Robert Zieler
That price was a bargain and Zieler should not be sitting on the bench with Leicester. He should be starting week in and week out in the Premier League.
Stekelenburg has undoubtedly had a good start to the season for Everton, but Zieler must be seen as a missed opportunity.
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