- Everton track Juventus winger Edon Zhegrova following his testing season in Italy.
- The out-of-favour Kosovo international is valued at approximately eleven million euros.
- RB Leipzig make an official enquiry for Everton centre-forward Thierno Barry.
Everton’s summer recruitment planning is slowly starting to take shape (we think) as the club looks to add some quality wide options to David Moyes’ first-team squad.
As reported earlier this week, reports from Italy indicate that Everton have re-established contact with Juventus regarding winger Edon Zhegrova.
The 27-year-old Kosovo international is widely expected to leave Turin following a challenging debut season in Serie A, with the Italian club reportedly prepared to sanction a sale for a fee of approximately €11.4 million (£9.6 million).
Any incoming business in wide areas, however, likely remains deeply intertwined with squad departures -most notably the future of Thierno Barry, who has become a target for the Bundesliga’s RB Leipzig.
Player profile: core attributes and tactical pros
Zhegrova is a naturally left-footed, highly technical wide player who operates almost exclusively as an inverted winger on the right flank. At his peak with Lille, where he registered 22 goal contributions during the 2024/25 campaign, he established a reputation as a progressive ball-carrier.
1. High-volume dribbling and isolation play
Data suggests that Zhegrova’s primary asset is his head-on dribbling. Despite his limited game time in Italy, his metrics demonstrate an average of 2.67 successful dribbles per 90 minutes. This efficiency rate would rank him within the top seven wingers in the Premier League, aligning with Manchester City’s Rayan Cherki.
For an Everton side that can struggle to unlock low blocks, Zhegrova would provide a direct outlet capable of beating his marker on the outside or cutting inside to open up space.
2. Ball retention and action efficiency
While his output suffered in Italy, his underlying stats remain high. He retains an impressive 66% success rate for overall offensive actions, trailing only elite Premier League performers like Bukayo Saka (68%) and Cole Palmer (67%).
When Zhegrova chooses to engage, his decision-making under pressure is decent, averaging just 4.6 ball losses per 90 minutes.
3. Tactical flexibility
Signing a natural right-sided winger would add variety to a squad that relies on Iliman Ndiaye in that area of the pitch – and who knows what’s going to happen with him. It would offer a good balance if the Toffees can get the deal done for Jack Grealish, who clearly prefers to operate as an inverted winger on the left.
Vulnerabilities: risk factors for the Premier League
Despite a modest valuation, Zhegrova’s profile carries some caveats that require consideration before committing to a permanent deal.
1. Deficit in recent final-third output
The most glaring concern remains his recent form. Following a €15.5 million transfer to Juventus last summer, Zhegrova failed to record a single goal or assist across 27 appearances in all competitions.
He managed just one Serie A start, with his remaining 19 league appearances coming exclusively off the substitutes’ bench, totalling a mere 366 minutes of top-flight football. Entering the high-intensity environment of the Premier League with depleted confidence would represent a gamble.
2. Defensive adaptation and tactical discipline
Moyes’ structure demands a disciplined defensive work rate from his wide midfielders. At Juventus, Zhegrova’s omission from the starting XI was frequently attributed to lapses in concentration and a reluctance to track back during defensive transitions.
Furthermore, his heavy reliance on his left foot can make him predictable against top-level full-backs who look to force skilful wingers down the line onto their weaker side.
3. Recent injury history
Zhegrova’s momentum in Turin was compromised by a persistent adductor injury initially sustained in early 2025. While he has since returned to full fitness, the physical demands of Premier League football will test his durability over a 38-game season.
The transfer domino: the Thierno Barry factor
Everton’s capacity to complete a deal for Zhegrova may hinge directly on money coming in. According to The Times, RB Leipzig have made formal contact regarding forward Thierno Barry.
The 23-year-old striker enjoyed a productive debut campaign under Moyes, finishing with 8 Premier League goals, including a vital brace in the 3-3 draw against Manchester City. Leipzig view the French forward as an ideal fit for the Bundesliga’s high-tempo style and are exploring a permanent transfer.
Should Leipzig meet Everton’s valuation – expected to sit close to the £27 million required to fully recoup their initial investment from Villarreal last July – that financial injection would ease PSR pressures brought on by the Burnley debacle.
Reinvesting a portion of those proceeds into a £10m move for Zhegrova would represent decent value and allow the recruitment team to add affordable, high-ceiling depth to the wide positions.
