Revealed: What Everton Initially Bid For Cenk Tosun Before Striking Deal
Everton completed the transfer of Cenk Tosun from reigning Super Lig champions Besiktas last week.
The Toffees were supposed to have the deal wrapped up around the new year but negotiations dragged on longer than expected.
There were reports of Besiktas increasing Tosun’s price at the last moment and other rumors surrounding the deal.
Black Eagles vice-president Ahmet Nur Cebi revealed all.
Cebi revealed that several Premier League club had been scouting Tosun but that Everton made a concrete.
“Several Premier League clubs were keeping tabs on him,” Cebi said.
“Everton actually entered the race late but made a bid.
“We held talks with Everton’s director of sport and the club CEO two days before new years day.
“We wanted Cenk to stay but Everton were persistent.
“Cenk’s father and Cenk called me and said this is a big opportunity for the club and player.”
Cebi revealed that Everton initially offered a part-exchange deal, then raised their bid to €18 million.
Everton held four rounds of talks over a five-day period with Besiktas officials.
“We held four round of talks in five days, they offered a part-exchange deal which we rejected immediately,” he added.
“I wanted €30 million but was prepared to accept €28 million.
“Everton offered €18 million which was too low for us.
“After lengthy negotiations, we finally agreed a deal for a price that matched our valuation.”
The striker became the most expensive player to leave the Super Lig.
Tosun is expected to make his Everton debut at Wembley Stadium over the weekend against Tottenham.
The 26-year-old left Besiktas on the back of winning back-to-back Super Lig titles and helping his former side become the first Turkish side to book a place in the Champions League Last 16.
