Everton’s summer recruitment plans are taking shape already. David Moyes has guided the Toffees to eighth in the Premier League table with European qualification still very much alive. But behind the scenes, the club are already working on reinforcements for next season.
Wide areas are a particular focus. Jack Grealish’s loan from Manchester City has been a success, but his season-ending injury and uncertain future mean nothing is guaranteed. Dwight McNeil, who nearly joined Crystal Palace in January, is likely to depart this summer. That leaves room for fresh faces, and one name has emerged as a serious target.
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Zhegrova’s Juventus struggle opens door for Everton
Edon Zhegrova joined Juventus from Lille in September 2025 for a fee of £12.4 million, plus up to £2.6 million in bonuses, signing a contract until June 2030. The Kosovo international, capped 45 times for his country, arrived with a strong reputation after scoring 26 goals and providing 18 assists in 107 appearances for the French side.
But his time in Turin has been disappointing. A serious knee injury wiped out the opening months of his spell, and he has since struggled to convince manager Thiago Motta that he deserves regular starts. Zhegrova has played just 427 minutes across 19 appearances in all competitions, with no goals and no assists. He has started only one match for the Bianconeri.
His misery deepened in February when, deep into extra time against Galatasaray in the Champions League playoffs, Zhegrova missed a clear chance from close range that effectively ended Juventus’ European campaign. Italian critics have been harsh since then, with Sportmediaset reporting that a summer exit from Turin now looks certain.
Why Moyes wants another go
Everton have tried to sign Zhegrova before. The club made attempts last summer, before he joined Juventus, and again in the January transfer window. Both bids were rejected, but the situation has now changed. Juventus are reportedly “highly likely” to accept an offer this time around, with Italian media even suggesting the move to the Premier League is as good as “completed”.
David Moyes has consistently sought direct, technically gifted wide players who can stretch defences from the right side. Zhegrova, a left-footed winger who typically operates on the right, fits that profile perfectly. At Lille, he was electric, direct and physically aggressive.
Iliman Ndiaye has thrived on the right for Everton this season, but he can also operate on the left, giving Moyes flexibility. Adding Zhegrova would increase competition and provide a genuine alternative on the flank. The Kosovan would bring dribbling ability, direct running and creativity in the final third.
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Juventus paid a decent amount for Zhegrova. Whether Everton can match that figure remains to be seen, but with the player’s confidence low and game time limited, a cut-price deal may be possible. For a winger who was once electric in France, this could be the reset his career needs.
