Premier League trio Everton, Newcastle United and Leeds United are set to battle it out for FC Montreal star Djordje Mihailovic.
According to Jeunes Footeux, Everton, Newcastle United, and Leeds United are all showing interest in USMNT star Djordje Mihailovic ahead of the summer transfer window.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder came through the ranks of Chicago Blast, making his debut for the Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire in 2017. He moved to Montreal in 2021 and has since taken his performances up a notch. Mihailovic has made 38 appearances for the Canadian side, scoring five times and assisting 15 more.
The 23-year-old has also won six caps for the USMNT. His performances have not gone unnoticed, with Premier League clubs keeping tabs on his progress. Everton, Newcastle and Leeds are all looking at rebuilds and appear to have seen enough in the American international to monitor his development closely.
Everton recently appointed Frank Lampard as they look to stave off relegation. While it is easier said than done, the Toffees do have enough quality in their ranks that Lampard can take advantage of. The Merseysiders have looked poor in midfield, with their players often lacking imagination. Mihailovic could certainly help improve that should Everton land him in the summer.
Newcastle, too, are enduring a poor season in the Premier League. Eddie Howe’s side looked doomed for relegation before a solid January transfer window has handed them a fighting chance of survival. The Magpies will be keen to make use of their newfound wealth to push on and make additions in the summer window. While Mihailovic might not be what the fans expect, he could prove to be a shrewd addition.
Leeds, meanwhile, replaced Marcelo Bielsa with Jesse Marsch and now face a pivotal few months under the American. The 48-year-old has extensive experience of managing in the MLS, and Mihailovic’s rise should come as no surprise to him.
Marsch also has experience managing in the UEFA Champions League and has worked with promising young players during his time with the Red Bull Football Group. There is every reason to believe that he can help Mihailovic thrive in the English top-flight.
The 23-year-old has also attracted interest from other European sides including AS Roma, Bologna, Atalanta, Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Dortmund, and OGC Nice.
Mihailovic’s contract at Montreal runs until the December of 2023. He could cost interested parties around €8 million, which is an affordable sum for the teams interested in his services.
