Explained: Why Oumar Niasse turned down a move to Lokomotiv Moscow
Everton are keen to sell Oumar Niasse as his contract is running down in July, but the Toffees haven’t managed to cash in and risk losing him for nothing in the coming months.
The 29-year-old had interest from Championship clubs at the end of January but wasn’t keen on dropping a division. He’s since had interest from Russian outfit Lokomotiv Moscow but turned down their approach.
According to Championat (h/t Sport Witness), Niasse rejected his former club as he’s holding out for a move to a Turkish or English side. The transfer window is shut in the UK and Turkey but it’s open in Russia until February 21, so Lokomotiv may return for the striker.
If Niasse wants his ideal move, he’ll have to wait until the summer when the transfer window opens again. The Senegalese international will have to sit on his contract at Everton for another five months before he can leave – a situation that isn’t ideal for anyone.
It seems the Toffees aren’t going to get their £16m back for Niasse, nor will they recoup any of his £55k-per-week wages.