Everton has intensified its interest in Baris Alper Yilmaz by formalizing a €35 million (£30 million) offer for the Galatasaray forward, according to the Turkish outlet Sabah, shared by Give Me Sport. This proposal marks a new phase in negotiations, as officials from the English club have traveled to Istanbul, where talks with the Turkish champions are already underway, in an attempt to reach an agreement before interest in Yilmaz increases.
The player, who has remained on Everton's radar during several transfer windows, is considered a key figure at Galatasaray, having significantly contributed to the team's Super Lig title win last season. With an impressive campaign, Yilmaz scored eight goals and provided 11 assists in 30 Super Lig matches, in addition to adding one goal and two assists in 12 Champions League games, demonstrating his ability to stand out even against elite teams.
However, negotiations may face a hurdle, as Galatasaray appears to be demanding around €50 million (£43 million) for the transfer. To complicate matters further, Yilmaz is already guaranteed Champions League football should he remain in Istanbul. Everton's offer seems logical, especially considering the playing style that David Moyes has implemented in the team, which is based on speed, strength, and tireless work off the ball. The Turkish forward, with a recorded top speed of 36.2 km/h, could become the fastest player in the squad, providing a new option to destabilize compact defenses.
The timing issue is also crucial. Iliman Ndiaye, another coveted target, continues to attract the attention of giants like Manchester United and Al-Hilal, with Everton evaluating the Senegal international at around £70 million. Acquiring an explosive forward before any significant departures would put the club in a stronger position in the final weeks of the transfer window.
However, such a substantial investment carries risks, given that Premier League football demands different qualities in each match. Yilmaz has yet to face this challenge, and his finishing ability may be inconsistent. Nevertheless, his performances in the Champions League against teams like Liverpool and Juventus have shown that he can keep his composure under pressure.
In assessing the situation, Everton's initial offer seems well thought out. Waiting for another opportunity could bring additional competition and strengthen Galatasaray's position, especially with other Premier League clubs eyeing the player. Spending around £30 million on a 26-year-old who has delivered an impressive performance in the last Super Lig can be seen as a calculated decision rather than a high-risk one. If Everton decides to match the reported valuation of €50 million, it could completely change the dynamics of the negotiations.
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