Everton have been linked with a move for Joe Gelhardt, as Marcel Brands looks to lower the average age by signing hot prospects to develop into first-team players, but the Toffees may struggle to bring Wigan Athletic’s 17-year-old striker to Goodison Park for a myriad of reasons.
Where will Everton finish in the Premier League?
1-4
5-7
8-13
14-20
Gelhardt has a lot of clubs interested in his signature – Liverpool, Tottenham, Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea were linked in November 2019. Everton may struggle to beat out so many clubs to his signature.
Gelhardt may not be in a rush to leave. Wigan tied him down until 2021 and have the summer to offer him a contract extension. The England u19 international has made 18 appearances in all competitions this season and may be content staying at the DW Stadium for at least another year as he’s guaranteed regular football.
At a Premier League side, Gelhardt would likely be playing in the reserves or be loaned out. The only problem Wigan have in keeping the striker is their situation in the Championship – the Latics currently sit 20th in the table and are in a relegation dogfight. If they can secure safety, they may be able to keep the teenager.
Wigan are in a strong negotiating position. The Latics value Gelhardt at £5m, but they can afford to raise his asking price as they’re reportedly financially secure as a club and aren’t reliant on selling assets to stay afloat.
Everton were looking at Gelhardt back toward the January window but would appear to have made little progress in procuring his signature since. It remains to be seen if they’ll have success over the summer.