Fulham look set to beat Everton to Ghanian winger Ernest Nuamah, who wants to move to Craven Cottage from Ligue 1 club Lyon.
In a significant development ahead of the transfer deadline, Fulham are poised to secure the signing of highly-rated winger Ernest Nuamah, dealing a major blow to Everton’s plans. The Toffees were in advanced negotiations with Lyon to bring the player to Goodison Park.
However, Nuamah opted for a move to Craven Cottage instead. This decision marks a setback for Everton as they scramble to make several late additions to Sean Dyche’s squad before the transfer window closes on Friday.
Nuamah, who was acquired by Lyon earlier this summer for £24 million, has quickly attracted attention from Premier League clubs. According to HITC, Everton were close to sealing the deal, with prospective owner John Textor playing a key role in pushing for the transfer.
Textor, who holds a majority stake in Lyon, had recommended Nuamah as a valuable signing for Everton. The winger had previously moved to Lyon from RWD Molenbeek, another club under Textor’s ownership, making the potential move to Everton seem like a logical next step.
Fulham’s Victory and Everton’s Missed Opportunity
Despite Everton’s best efforts, Nuamah has decided that Fulham is the better option, a decision that leaves Everton scrambling for alternatives. Fulham’s ability to close the deal before the deadline underscores their proactive approach in the transfer market, as they continue to strengthen their squad.
For Everton, missing out on Nuamah is a significant blow, especially given the winger’s potential and the recommendation from Textor, who remains in talks with Farhad Moshiri over a potential take over at Goodison Park.
Nuamah’s decision to join Fulham over Everton might be seen as a reflection of Fulham’s current standing in the Premier League and their ability to offer a more appealing project for the player. The Cottagers are building an exciting side while Everton look set to fight for their Premier League future for a third straight season.
Everton’s Deadline Day Push
While missing out on Nuamah is undoubtedly disappointing for Everton, the club is not out of options yet. Despite this setback, Everton are actively pursuing other targets and are expected to be busy in the final hours of the transfer window. One of the deals nearing completion is the loan signing of Orel Mangala, which would provide a much-needed boost to their midfield.
Everton’s transfer activity on deadline day reflects the urgency to strengthen the squad amid a challenging start to the season. The club’s management, under the guidance of Dyche, is working tirelessly to bring in reinforcements that can make an immediate impact. Although Nuamah’s snub is a setback, Everton’s efforts to secure other signings demonstrate their determination to bolster the team and avoid being left behind as the transfer window closes.
For Everton, missing out on Nuamah is a clear setback, particularly with the player being highly recommended by a key figure in their prospective ownership structure. The race against the clock is on, and Everton will need to act swiftly to strengthen their squad before the deadline.