Everton News

Explained: How Everton lost out on £22m in August, Marcel Brands’ decision backfired

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Everton rejected a £22m bid from RB Leipzig for Ademola Lookman back in August 2018 and must be regretting the decision as the 21-year-old has struggled for form and playing time in the first-team ever since. Lookman joined Leipzig on loan in January 2018 for the remainder of the campaign and made a big impression in Germany – five goals, four assists in 11 appearances.

Leipzig wanted the England u21 international to turn the move permanent last summer, but Everton wanted more money than they were willing to spend. The idea was to integrate him in the senior squad this season, but Lookman hasn’t fared too well – 24 appearances in all competitions, one goal, two assists.

Everton paid £11m for Lookman’s signature in 2017 and had the chance to make 200% profit just 18 months later if not for Marcel Brands. By his own admission, the Director of Football takes care of incomings and outgoings, so Lookman not joining Leipzig would have been his call. Everton were happy to sell the forward but just wanted £6m more from a suitor.

His future at Goodison Park is uncertain this summer, but whether another side will offer £22m remains to be seen.

Read Crippy Cooke’s previous article

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Sports journalist who is an avid football fan, enjoys debunking transfer rumours, loves to write pieces about players out in the cold and takes a large amount of pride getting a predicted XI 100% correct.