With the summer transfer window now officially open, Everton are reportedly exploring various avenues to strengthen their squad, with a fresh link emerging for Fenerbahçe’s versatile wide player, Oguz Aydin.
Manager David Moyes is keen to enhance the quality on the flanks, an area identified as a weakness towards the end of the last season following Dwight McNeil’s sidelining.
The departure of Jack Harrison, who has returned to parent club Leeds United after a loan spell where he seemingly failed to sufficiently impress despite Moyes’s admiration for his mentality, has further accentuated Everton’s need for reinforcements on the wings.
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According to Turkish sports outlet Sporx, Everton is prepared to “test the waters” in a bid to sign the 24-year-old Turkish international.
The report claims that the Toffees had scouts watching Aydin last season and were reportedly impressed by his performances. Aydin demonstrated his attacking prowess by registering 15 goal involvements, showcasing his ability to operate effectively on both flanks and even as a central forward.
Fenerbahçe boss Jose Mourinho is understood to be a big admirer of Aydin and will be desperate to retain his services this summer. Speaking to Marca, Mourinho previously lauded the player’s attributes: “He is a good player. Physically, tactically and very intelligent. We brought him in at the last minute. I asked him to give me time. He was not ready [to start from the off] but, after four or five months, he has reached an optimal level. I am very happy for him.” Aydin has also been described as a “game-changer” by beIN Sports.
Currently under contract with the Turkish giants until 2028, securing Aydin’s signature would likely require a substantial offer from Everton.
However, with the Friedkin Group at the helm, the club is said to have a significant budget and is willing to back Moyes in the transfer market.
Aydin joins a list of players reportedly on Moyes’s radar, which includes Manchester City’s attacking midfielder James McAtee – who was notably omitted from Pep Guardiola’s Club World Cup squad – and speculation continues around Jack Grealish following his absence from City’s squad.
Liverpool’s young talent Ben Doak and Stuttgart’s prolific centre-forward Nick Woltemade are also understood to be targets as Everton seeks to build a competitive squad for the new season.
