---
title: "Everton end Pepe interest – is it a sensible decision by the Toffees?"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/everton-end-pepe-interest-is-it-a-sensible-decision-by-the-toffees/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2019-07-16T12:47:16Z"
modified: "2019-07-16T12:47:17Z"
---

# Everton end Pepe interest – is it a sensible decision by the Toffees?

Everton have reportedly ended their interest in Lille star Nicolas Pepe – but is it the right decision by the Toffees?

According to the [Liverpool Echo, cited by HITC](https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/07/16/report-everton-decide-against-stunning-move-for-nicolas-pepe/), Everton have decided against signing the Ligue 1 winger due to his high price tag.

The Toffees had been [linked](https://readliverpoolfc.com/2019/07/10/everton-join-liverpool-in-race-to-land-pepe/) with a move for the player, with Lille reportedly valuing the Ivorian at £58 million.

![Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readeverton.com/readeverton/2019/07/1002931976.jpg)

Liverpool and Arsenal have both been linked with a move for the 24-year-old who scored 22 times in the French top-flight last season, with the player likely to depart his current club ahead of the new season.

The decision to end their interest in the winger appears to be a sensible one.

Even though Pepe would have fit Marco Silva’s side with ease after his stellar individual campaign, it would have been unlikely the player would have been keen on a move to Goodison Park.

Pepe looks set to chase Champions League football next season, something Liverpool and French champions Paris Saint-Germain can offer the pacey forward.

Everton ending their interest now will allow them to target other attacking options, with Silva also keen on adding a marquee signing at the back.

The £58 million the Toffees could have spent on Pepe may well be enough to sign a high-profile defender and a natural goal scorer, so the club ending their interest in Pepe could turn out to be a smart move in the long run.