Everton will look to sign 20-year-old Ivory Coast international Christ Inao Oulai from Trabzonspor in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Africa Foot, Barcelona, Fulham, and Chelsea are also among the clubs interested in Chris Inao Oulai, with the list of suitors growing to nine teams. Meanwhile, the Trabzonspor midfielder will not cost a premium fee, with the Turkish Super Lig club valuing him at around €23 million.
Who is Christ Inao Oulai?
Christ Inao Oulai is the latest promising prospect from his homeland to rise in prominence. Born in Yopougon, the teenage prospect spent most of his formative years thus far in the Ivory Coast and graduated from the youth division at JMG Academy Abidjan. The 20-year-old arrived in Europe by joining SC Bastia in July 2024 before moving to Turkiye last summer.
The Ivory Coast international has made gradual progress during his spell with Trabzonspor thus far, amassing nearly 2,500 minutes of game time in 31 outings thus far while contributing 2 goals and 4 assists. Meanwhile, Oulai’s progress has piqued the attention of several well-known clubs, with Barcelona, Chelsea, Everton, and Fulham among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
A man in demand
Barcelona will target a versatile midfielder in the ongoing transfer window, as Marc Casado faces an uncertain future at Camp Nou amid his reported links with Saudi Pro League clubs. So, the Blaugrana must sign a tactically flexible midfielder who can reprise defensive and box-to-box roles depending on Hansi Flick’s requirements.
Meanwhile, Chelsea’s interest in Christ Inao Oulai may be surprising, but it is understandable. The Blues are scouring the market for a midfielder, as Dario Essugo and Romeo Lavia struggled with persistent fitness issues for most of the 2025/26 campaign. Additionally, Enzo Fernandez faces an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge after Javier Pastore’s recent comments discussing a possible exit.
As for Everton, the Toffees are combing the market for a midfielder, as Idrissa Gueye is in the twilight of his career. Additionally, Merlin Rohl struggled with injuries in the 2025/26 season, leaving James Garner as the only reliable midfielder. So, Oulai, known for his high stamina, explosive pace, and excellent tactical awareness, can be the ideal foil for the defensive-minded Garner.
Meanwhile, Fulham will pursue a midfielder this summer, as skipper Tom Cairney is in the twilight of his career. Additionally, Sasa Lukic’s stock has fallen in the last 12 months. The energetic Oulai is an appealing target, as he can be a solid partner for Sander Berge.
Meanwhile, Trabzonspor’s asking price of €23 million makes the 20-year-old Ivorian midfielder an attractive target for his prospective suitors. The intense competition for his signature after his impressive campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign should fetch the desired fee for the Turkish club.