Everton close to new signing as ‘frustrated’ £100,000pw star nears deal

Robin Bairner

• 18 Jan 2024 12:20 GMT
• 3 min read

Everton could ease their financial concerns by offloading “frustrated” Arnaut Danjuma imminently, with Ligue 1 strugglers Lyon aiming to complete a loan move for the Netherlands international winger.

Danjuma is at Everton on a temporary basis from Villarreal, but the Goodison Park side are reportedly footing his £100,000-per-week wages over the course of his stay at the club.

This is in spite of the Merseyside club’s financial worries, which have already seen them docked 10 points by the Premier League and could see them hit with another six-point penalty.

Danjuma, meanwhile, has been left "frustrated" with his lack of opportunities at the club, according to the Liverpool Echo. Although he has played 13 Premier League matches, his start in the scoreless draw against Aston Villa last weekend was the first time he had featured from the beginning of a game since September.

He was notably an unused substitute as the Toffees defeated Crystal Palace 1-0 in an FA Cup third-round replay on Wednesday.

Everton have found Danjuma replacement

Everton have been wary about allowing the 26-year-old to depart, yet FootMercato reports that a rupture of their agreement with Villarreal is close, with the player then set to join OL.

“Everton informed OL that they had to find Danjuma’s successor before opening the door to him and breaking his loan. And it’s practically a done deal since the English club have obviously found what they’re looking for,” the report states.

It goes on to explain Lyon have come to an agreement over personal terms with Danjuma, who is “very excited” about the prospect of joining the French side. He has already discussed the possibility with Oranje teammate Memphis Depay, who is currently playing with Atletico Madrid.

There is no indication of the player who may be signed to replace Danjuma on the wing in Sean Dyche’s squad at Goodison Park, although Everton continue to be linked with Manchester City central midfielder Kalvin Phillips.