Everton have been linked with a move for Borja Iglesias, but the Toffees’ lack of movement in recent months has given Real Betis a chance to land the 26-year-old’s signature for £25m, according to AS (h/t Inside Futbol). It wouldn’t be such a bad thing to miss out on Iglesias, however, as the jury’s still out on his capabilities at the top level. Returning for him in 2020 could be smart.
The 26-year-old only has one Liga season under his belt as a professional footballer, having played the majority of his career in the lower divisions. Iglesias scored 32 goals in 37 games (Segunda Division B) for Celta Vigo B in 2016/17, 22 in 39 games in 2017/18 (La Liga2) for Real Zaragoza and 17 in 37 in 2018/19 (La Liga) for Espanyol. He’s been prolific for many seasons but is still inexperienced in the top-flight.
It may be telling that Everton’s competitors for Iglesias’s signature are Real Betis – a side that finished 11th last season. Nevertheless, the uncapped Spaniard created 42 chances, made 23 successful dribbles (62%), won 65 aerial duels (46%) and hit the target with 43% of his 90 shots.
Whether Iglesias can replicate such form in 2019/20 remains to be seen, however, so it may be wise from Everton to wait and see how he performs next season before making a move. Even if the 26-year-old joins Betis this summer, the Toffees should fancy their chances of luring him to Goodison Park in 2020 as Iglesias has played for six clubs in the last nine years.