Everton want to turn Kurt Zouma’s loan into a permanent move in the summer, although much will depend on Chelsea and their pending appeal over the transfer ban.
Everton are again expected to make significant moves in the transfer market, after making a huge splurge the previous summer. The Times are reporting that the Merseysiders would like to permanently sign Kurt Zouma from Chelsea after being impressed with the defender during his loan spell at the club.
Everton did pay a hefty loan fee for the 24-year-old Frenchman during last summer and the defender has repaid by becoming a regular fixture in Marco Silva’s team. Reports suggest if Chelsea agree on a permanent transfer, will demand a fee upwards of £30 million and Everton might be ready to pay the requested amount.
Zouma has made 25 Premier League appearances, which is more than double than fellow summer signing from Barcelona, Yerry Mina. The Colombian defender enhanced his reputation with a stellar World Cup performance, although his season has been hampered by injuries, giving Zouma the chance to shine in his place.
Everton, currently have Michael Keane as the other central defender in their ranks, and although there are names such as Phil Jagielka still on the books, the veteran central defender is expected to depart the club at the end of the season when his contract expires. This would provide room for Everton to make Zouma’s loan deal into a permanent signing.
Likewise, Everton have reportedly informed Zouma of their intentions, while the understanding is the player would like to continue his career at the club. So with the fee not being a problem and the player also happy at the club, the big hurdle is parent club, Chelsea.
Chelsea have been slapped with a two-window transfer ban by FIFA, and the final verdict will be pending their appeal with the CAS. Meaning, if the appeal is rejected and the ban upheld, Chelsea will not be able to make any signings during the next two transfer windows. .
In that scenario, they could opt to keep Zouma at the club owing to his impressive performances during this loan spell, even though he is likely to end up playing second fiddle to David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger in the pecking order.
Everton have shown ambition in the last window and are expected to splash the cash in the upcoming one as well. They would like to sign Zouma, but if Chelsea refuse to do business, then they might turn their attention towards other targets. Overall, Zouma would represent a good signing and considering his age, could pursue a long career at Merseyside.
