Everton have a history of almost signing players who go on to be world-beaters.
The Toffees were in talks to sign Alexander Isak for £14m in 2016 and now, of course, he’s widely regarded as one of the best strikers on the planet at Newcastle United.
In fact, you’d have to stump up £150m to even stand a chance of landing Isak’s signature nowadays, so it’s certainly a what-could-have-been moment.
Everton were really close to signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, too, and he’s since gone on to become world-class at Paris Saint-Germain.
With that said, here’s another top player Everton were close to signing in the past.
Everton almost signed Giovani Lo Celso when he was 15
Earlier this month, La Nacion ran a report which explained that Giovani Lo Celso, the 61-cap Argentina international, almost joined Everton when he was a 15-year-old.
“He started playing indoor soccer at the Regatas club, alongside Gigante de Arroyito, and field soccer at San Jose school,” the report explained.
“He went through the pre-decima and 10th divisions at Griffa’s school, and at the age of 9th, at the end of 2010, he tried out for Central and was chosen, with ‘Coco’ Pascuttini as coordinator.
‘At 15, he was formally tempted by Everton, England, and at 17, two other European clubs sought him out again. But he didn’t leave until he was 20, for PSG.”
Giovani Lo Celso reborn at Real Betis
Since leaving Tottenham Hotspur, Lo Celso has found his best form again in La Liga with Real Betis.
“Under the guidance of Manuel Pellegrini at Real Betis, Lo Celso has re-established himself as one of Europe’s best attacking midfielders,” BreakingTheLines wrote.
Last season, the left-footed playmaker registered a whopping 11 goal involvements in just 15 starts, with injuries plaguing his game time.
- 15 starts
- 8 goals
- 3 assists
The 29-year-old would certainly be a welcome addition to Everton’s squad right now, but that ship has clearly sailed.
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