Everton’s transfer window was marked by a flurry of activity, with the Toffees bringing in several new faces to bolster their squad. However, one deal that didn’t materialize was the signing of Lyon forward Ernest Nuamah. According to reports, Everton pulled out of talks to sign the 20-year-old winger late in the transfer window, leaving fans wondering what might have been.
Nuamah would have been an excellent addition to Everton’s attack, joining the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Dominic Calvert-Lewin to add an extra spark. The Norwegian forward has earned plenty of praise for his performances at Nordsjaelland and Lyon, with Football Talent Scout’s Jacek Kulig dubbing his start to the previous campaign “outrageous”.
With seven goals and three assists to his name last season, Nuamah’s talent is undeniable. At just 20 years old, he’s only likely to get even better with more experience, making Everton’s decision to pull out of the deal all the more puzzling.
Everton’s Director of Football, Kevin Thelwell, was thrilled to welcome Armando Broja to the club on deadline day, but the failed pursuit of Nuamah will likely be seen as a missed opportunity. Thelwell praised Broja’s potential, saying: “Having monitored Armando’s journey for a number of years, we’re very pleased to have been able to bring him to the Club. Armando is still a young player who has already built up some impressive experience, but someone we also feel has lots more potential to be unlocked.”
While Broja’s arrival is certainly a boost to Everton’s attacking options, the failure to sign Nuamah may come back to haunt the club. With his price tag likely to increase in the coming months, Everton may find themselves unable to afford the talented forward in the future.
In the end, Everton’s transfer window was marked by a mix of success and disappointment. While the signings of Broja, Ndiaye, and others will undoubtedly strengthen the squad, the failure to land Nuamah will be seen as a missed opportunity. As the Toffees look to secure Premier League survival, the absence of Nuamah’s creativity and flair may be felt.