Everton FC

Everton surely miss out on new signing after Romano contract update

Published

6 months ago

January 1, 2024

Everton surely miss out on new transfer as Fabrizio Romano drops ‘agreement reached’ contract news on young prospect

Funds are set to be tight at Goodison Park once again this month meaning Everton fans probably should not expect too much activity in the transfer window.

Indeed, director of football Kevin Thelwell has previously admitted to the club’s official website (27 December) that it is likely to be a “low-key” January, as Everton battle to keep within Financial Fair Play constraints.

The emphasis, therefore, is likely to be on cheaper loan deals or looking at future prospects who they can get for a bargain price and try to blood.

One such player who fit that latter bill was 18-year-old Fabio Jalo, who has only made 11 first-team appearances this season but has reportedly received admiring glances from Premier League and Championship sides.

English media outlet TEAMtalk reported on 6 November that the Toffees were in a battle with the likes of Brighton, Fulham, Leeds United and Sunderland for the teenage forward’s signature.

Indeed, all the clubs had some hope of striking a January deal because Jalo’s present deal is due to expire at the end of the season.

But, according to prominent Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano, the youngster is set to commit his future to the South Yorkshire club.

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Posting on X on 31 December, Romano wrote: “Understand Portuguese talent Fabio Jalo will sign new deal at Barnsley despite interest from several clubs, agreement reached.

“Clubs in Premier League and Serie A wanted but Fabio Jalo will sign new contract at Barnsley as he wants to play regular first team football.”

Everton may be switching their approach to looking at younger talent and casting the net towards clubs in the EFL.

But it looks like this is a January transfer that will not be happening at Goodison Park and other avenues will need to be explored.