Everton have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of German midfielder Sami Khedira after a recent interview indicated he wishes to see out his contract at current club Juventus.
Khedira has failed to make a single appearance under current manager Andrea Pirlo in Turin this season, despite having helped to secure five Serie A titles since he joined in 2015. Arthur Melo, Aaron Ramsey, Adrien Rabiot and Rodrigo Bentancur are among a host of other players preferred to the 33-year-old in central midfield.
His lack of game-time and subsequent availability has attracted intensifying interest from a host of Premier League clubs after it emerged that his preference is to make a final big-league switch to the English top flight. Everton are reportedly rivalled by Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur for his signature, according to the Daily Express.
He recently admitted it has always been a “dream” of his to play in the Premier League but has since commented on his desire to see out his Juventus contract, which expires this summer. He is currently one of the highest-paid earners at the Italian club.
Speaking to German outlet ZDF about his future, Khedira said:
When I leave, I want the Juve fans to remember me as a great player. The current situation is not because of Andrea Pirlo, and I am not angry about it. I understand the way he wants to play football.
A January exit will certainly not happen. I aim to respect my contract to the summer of 2021. If the opportunity arises, the Premier League could be an option. I am a big fan of the Premier League.
There is dialogue with (Everton manager Carlo) Ancelotti and (Tottenham boss Jose) Mourinho, as we never really lost contact after our time together at Real Madrid.
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Whilst financially understandable from Khedira’s perspective, the news is a blow to Everton.
The Toffees may be left waiting for the summer when Khedira will be a free agent – likely resulting in higher fees, wage demands and competition. This could dampen hopes of being in the front of the queue for a deal.
