Everton have reportedly been told to stump up €40 million to secure the services of 23-year-old Turkish defender from Juventus this summer.
According to a report by Goal, Everton now know how much they will need to pay to sign Merih Demiral in the summer transfer window. Juventus have slapped a €40 million price tag on the 23-year-old Turkish defender, who is also a target for AS Roma and Atalanta.
Merih Demiral was widely regarded as one of the most promising young centre-backs in Europe at the time he joined Juventus from Sassuolo in the summer of 2019. However, his two years so far at the Allianz Stadium have been marred by fitness-related issues, restricting him to just 32 outings in Turin, wherein he has chipped in with a goal and two assists.
The 23-year-old did not exactly a memorable UEFA Euro 2020 campaign either, with Turkey being eliminated from the group stage while letting in a disappointing eight goals. However, Demiral still remains a very highly-rated prospect in Europe, as suggested by the interest in his services from Everton, among other potential suitors.
The Toffees are dipping their toes in the transfer market for a centre-back this summer as they look to elevate the levels in the squad to challenge for European qualification. And with Yerry Mina facing an uncertain future at Goodison Park, Everton will need to sign a centre-back anyway.
That is because Mina’s departure will leave Rafael Benitez will Michael Keane, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate as the only recognised centre-backs at his disposal. Therefore, it is hardly surprising that Everton have been linked with several central defenders lately, including Kalidou Koulibaly and Clement Lenglet.
However, Koulibaly’s fellow Serie A defender Demiral is also on Everton’s radar, with the Merseyside outfit now learning his valuation as well. Juventus want to recoup €40 million from the sale of the 23-year-old, who is also a target for AS Roma and Atalanta this summer.
Roma could be looking at Demiral as a long-term successor for Chris Smalling while Atalanta are in a precarious position over the future of Cristian Romero, who has been linked with Tottenham. The report, though, suggests that Everton are the likeliest destination for Demiral if Juventus look to cash in on him and it will be interesting to see if they secure his services this summer.
