Everton have largely been pretty successful and proficient with their transfer targets this summer, setting their sights, entering negotiations and getting their man.
Their first success came in an odd swap deal with Aston Villa, which saw Lewis Dobbin leave and Tim Iroegbunam join, before Jack Harrison soon followed, returning to Goodison Park for another loan spell.
And whilst Iliman Ndiaye’s move was slightly protracted, it never really felt in doubt despite the delay.
However, with Jaden Philogene, their interest has been well-documented for some time now.
There are many factors that may elongate a transfer saga, but an agency seeking to drum up interest certainly seems to be the case here.
Jaden Philogene’s agent makes strange transfer move
That is, at least what is being suggested by journalist Gerard Romero, with his latest comments relayed by Total Barca.
He has actually suggested that Philogene’s agent has been pictured in Barcelona, having travelled there of his own accord, just to take a photoshoot.
The Hull City winger has been linked with a move to the Catalan giants, but nothing concrete has emerged yet.
In fact, Fabrizio Romano offered a Philogene update that was positive for Everton, detailing complications.
And yet, the agency have still gone and pulled this stunt, as the tweet reads: ‘Jaden Philogene’s agent showed up to the Barcelona offices unannounced, began a photoshoot in the car park, and was eventually asked to leave by security.
‘The name of the player is completely unknown by Barcelona directors, with the club mystified as to why they are being linked with him.
‘It’s believed to be a PR exercise by the player’s agency to link him with Barça in order to drive up demand.’
Sean Dyche will not like this stunt
As a pretty no-nonsense guy who has made it clear that he is not a huge fan of wild player celebrations or over-exuberance, Sean Dyche will not want to see this.
A PR stunt done by the agency of the player, Philogene may well have no part to play in this.
However, the former Burnley man and Kevin Thelwell will see these representatives as an extension of the winger, and could therefore cut back on their interest to pursue other options.
At the time, the 22-year-old seemed like the finest option for available wingers, with the young Championship starlet full of energy, trickery and pace.
It is no secret that the Toffees are lacking these assets.
But this latest twist in the transfer saga might make that redundant, as they are traits that certainly can and will be found elsewhere. Hopefully, they will be attached to player and agency who might act with a bit more sense…
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