Everton’s Summer Plan Involves A Juventus Star In Career Freefall: Can The Toffees Afford This Fading Winger? | OneFootball

Everton made a late push to sign Juventus winger Edon Zhegrova. They made a move before the winter transfer window slammed shut. However, the move ultimately came to nothing, according to a report by Calciomercato IT, as relayed by Sport Witness. The Italian outlet confirms the Toffees showed concrete interest in the Kosovo international. They simply ran out of time to finish the deal because talks progressed so late in the window.

Everton Transfer News: The Toffees Eye Juventus Winger Edon Zhegrova for Summer Move After Winter Bid Collapsed

Zhegrova joined Juventus from Lille in the summer of 2025. Since then, he has endured a frustrating debut season in Turin. A serious knee injury wiped out the opening months of his stint. The 26-year-old has since struggled to convince Thiago Motta that he deserves regular starts.

His misery deepened this week when Juventus nearly overturned a deficit against Galatasaray in the Champions League playoffs. Deep into extra time, Zhegrova had a clear chance at close range. He missed it entirely. That mistake effectively ended Juve’s European campaign.

Italian critics have been harsh since then. Calciomercato IT states plainly that a summer exit from Turin now looks certain. With reporters pointing to the Premier League as a likely destination, Everton expect to restart talks with Juventus once the summer window opens.

Can Everton Genuinely Afford Another Gamble on a Winger Who Looks a Shadow of Himself?

TURIN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 25: Edon Zhegrova of Juventus FC reacts during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Juventus and Galatasaray A.S. at Juventus Stadium on February 25, 2026 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Stefano Guidi/Getty Images)

David Moyes has consistently sought direct, technically gifted wide players. He wants players who stretch defences from Everton’s right side. On paper, this profile makes sense. However, the timing of this potential transfer raises serious concerns. This goes beyond simple squad building.

Zhegrova was electric at Lille between 2022 and 2025. He was direct and physically aggressive. He produced high-quality moments with his left foot from the right flank. Everton need that version of Zhegrova. Unfortunately, the player Juventus received looks nothing like that.

Thiago Motta’s reluctance to start him regularly reflects real doubts about his recovery. It is not just a tactical choice. Knee injuries at this stage of a career can permanently change a player’s speed and power. Everton are building carefully toward their 2026/27 season. They cannot afford to spend heavily on a player in physical decline. Other clubs are missing from the latest report. That might help Everton’s position, but it also suggests others have done their homework and walked away.