Everton can now consider themselves fortunate that they didn’t sign 26-year-old Dutch winger Arnaut Danjuma.
The Blues looked to have agreed a loan deal for the attacker in January, only for the Villarreal man to unexpectedly join Spurs instead.
However, the winger made just one Premier League start for Spurs, scoring once in nine league appearances overall in an underwhelming spell in the capital.
Rejecting the option to make the loan move permanent, Danjuma returned to Spain, but could well make a Premier League return this summer with Crystal Palace reportedly interested.
However, despite the initial disappointment of Danjuma’s snub, Everton got lucky that the 26-year-old decided against a January move to Goodison Park.
Everton seemingly got off lucky on uninspiring Danjuma
The Toffees no doubt needed to strengthen in January, especially following the £45m departure of Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United.
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However, the Toffees not only needed a creative output, they also needed players committed to the cause of maintaining Everton’s top-flight status.
Sean Dyche quickly established a work ethic at the club following his January appointment, with players expected to show effort and commitment were quality may be lacking.
Danjuma’s underwhelming spell at Spurs indicates that he may not have been suited to a relegation scrap, though the winger certainly does not lack self-belief.
In a 2022 interview with The Guardian, the Dutch attacker said: “If we look at what I’ve done this season it’s quite fair and factual to say I’m among the best wingers in the world.”
Everton have a checkered history with Dutch wingers, with Andy van der Meyde and Royston Drenthe disappointing during their times at Goodison Park, but Arnaut Danjuma can be considered a player that the Blues were best to avoid.
Should the 26-year-old make the move to Selhurst Park this summer, it will be interesting to see how he fairs in the Premier League this time around.