Fresh details from ABC Sevilla, as relayed by Sport Witness, show that Everton are dragging their feet on a possible move for Juanlu Sanchez. This delay is happening even though the defender is keen to trade Seville for Merseyside. The Spanish outlet explains that Sevilla are in a tight spot financially once again.
Hesitation at Everton: The Juanlu Sanchez Saga
They need to sell players before they can bring anyone new in this month. So, the club’s bosses are looking to their academy players to lead the way out. They have picked out Juanlu as a top choice for raising cash fast. Sporting Director Antonio Cordón is reportedly busy trying to wrap up an exit for the 22-year-old full-back.
Several European teams have had Juanlu on their radar for a while now. A planned move to Napoli fell through last summer. A return to that deal looks unlikely now, since the Italian champions have their own need to sell. So, Sevilla are actively asking other clubs to put in real offers.
Juanlu turned down other moves to wait for Napoli last year, but he has changed his mind and is now open to something new. Both Everton and Bayer Leverkusen are keeping tabs on him, though neither has put a formal bid on the table.
People close to Leverkusen say the player isn’t a top priority for the German side. This basically leaves the door open for the Toffees, if they decide to make a move.
Do the Toffees need him?
Everton’s hesitation is a bit of a head-scratcher given the obvious holes in David Moyes’ squad. The Scotsman came back to Goodison Park to bring some calm to the club, but the right side of his defence is still a major weak point. Juanlu fits the exact mould Moyes usually likes: a hard-working, flexible player who can play right-back or step into midfield.
His engine and defensive work rate would fit the tough, physical style Moyes wants. Plus, his age means he could get even better under the manager’s wing. Sevilla’s money troubles give Everton a lot of power in these talks.
If Cordón really is under pressure to fix the balance sheet right away, the Toffees could probably land the Spaniard for less than he’s actually worth. Still, waiting too long is a gamble. While Leverkusen are silent for now, the January window always leads to panic buys in the final few days.
If Everton keep waiting, they might let a rival grab a bargain or force Sevilla to find a buyer elsewhere. The deal makes too much sense on the pitch and on the books to pass up. We expect Moyes to give the green light for a late bid to get the extra depth he needs for the rest of the season.
