Everton are reportedly keeping close tabs on young Ajax prodigy Anass Salah-Eddine, who is also a target for Feyenoord and Club Brugge.
A recent tweet from Mike Verweij has offered an update on the future of Anass Salah-Eddine. The Dutch journalist suggests the youngster is currently in talks with Ajax over a contract extension, but there is a large disparity between what the 20-year-old wants and what the club are offering.
It could open up a possibility for Salah-Eddine to leave Ajax, and it appears he has no shortage of alternatives either. Everton are among the clubs interested in securing his services, whereas the likes of Club Brugge, Feyenoord and FC Twente are keeping close tabs on his situation as well.
A left-back by trade, Salah-Eddine has straddled between Ajax and AZ Alkmaar’s youth academies during the early stages of his career. But over the past few years, he had been plying his trade for Ajax’s academy and has done rather well, even establishing himself as one of the more promising prospects in the academy.
Although the 20-year-old defensive sensation was playing for Ajax’s reserve setup last season, many expect him to make the jump to the senior side ahead of the new season. At the same time, though, the Salah-Eddine has his contract expiring in 2023, and he is certainly not happy with the terms offered by Ajax.
A move away from Amsterdam, therefore, could be on the horizon, with Everton among the clubs keen on signing the Dutch defender. The Toffees have already strengthened their quality at the back by bringing in James Tarkowski on a free transfer this summer, but coach Frank Lampard is keen on improving his options in the full-back department.
The left-back unit, in particular, has appeared as a weakness. Everton have Vitaliy Mykolenko as the only reliable option in the position, but even the Ukrainian international has not performed up to expectations. It has accentuated the need for a fresh face, and that is where Anass Salah-Eddine comes into the fray.
The 20-year-old whizkid could prove to be a valuable addition for Everton due to his technical prowess and athleticism out wide. These qualities should tune in well with Lampard’s tactical setup at Everton, which revolves around attacking full-backs providing the width going forward.
However, Everton must be wary of the interest from other clubs, including Feyenoord, who are on the hunt for a left-back after losing Tyrell Malacia to Manchester United this summer.
