If reports in Italy are to be believed, then Everton are one of the many clubs eyeing a move for NK Lokomotiva’s Lovro Majer next summer, as Ronald Koeman eyes a long term solution to his attacking midfield. The Croatian youngster has attracted a lot of attention from top European clubs owing to his displays in the 1.HNL.
Italian newspaper Il Secolo XIX has claimed that sides like Watford, Lille, Nice, Sampdoria, Atletico Madrid and Celtic are all interested in the 19-year-old making it all the more difficult for Everton to get his signature. This season will be a make or break for the Toffees after the multi-million summer activities.
Ronald Koeman has a mammoth task on his hands now and if he fails to deliver after getting all his priority targets at his disposal, his Everton status will be at stake. While they have started decently both in the domestic as well as European campaign, their last week 3-0 loss to Tottenham Hotspur will surely raise some questions.
Having some of the best players to boast about, the Toffees squad has a brilliant blend of youth and experience at the moment. Even if they conceded thrice away from home, their absolute lack of response against Spurs will be concerning for Koeman.
And while 19-year-old Majer isn’t expected to be the immediate answer, he is definitely one of the top young talents in Croatia and has proved his mettle since moving from NK Trnje Zagreb back in 2013. Last season, Majer has managed to score four goals and provided 11 assists in all competitions, and he has continued it this season too with four goals and three assists in seven games.
He has proved that he isn’t a one season wonder and although he might be ahead of his league for the moment, he could be adaptive to the top leagues. Understandably, Majer’s performances have attracted many clubs.
A big chance could be Celtic being the player’s next destination as per reports. The Hoops have previously gotten talents from Croatian football in 2015 when they brought in the centre back Jozo Simunovic from Dinamo Zagreb and Majer can look to follow his footsteps, who already has one Croatian cap to his name.
Everton will obviously pose a big challenge for them surely, who have also picked up winger Nikola Vlasic from Hajduk Split in Croatia, showing their intent to bring in impressive Croatian youngster to the top level.
However, with Champions League football and regular playing time two utmost lures, in this case, Celtic will have an edge over Everton. But can Koeman land him?
