Latest developments
- Everton have opened talks to sign Aston Villa's Jaden Philogene.
- The 22-year-old previously starred for Hull City and England under-21s.
- But he has no goal involvements for Villa this season.
Whisper+ analysis
Authenticity (3.5/5): “Here we… go(?)”
Everton have made a formal approach to sign Aston Villa left-winger Jaden Philogene, who only returned to the West Midlands club in the summer.
Negotiations between the clubs are underway according to Fabrizio Romano, who claims the Toffees are seeking a permanent deal for the 22-year-old.
Value (3/5): Villa will want money back
After selling their academy graduate in 2023 for around £4.8 million, 18 goal involvements in 32 games for Hull last season were enough to convince Villa to buy him back for £13.25 million.
However, he has failed to kick on, with no goals or assists in 14 games this season. His market value is £12.45 million, but the Villans will want to sell him for more than they paid.
Suitability (2.5/5): Can he cut it at top level?
A pair of own goals makes Wolves‘ Craig Dawson is Everton's top scorer over their last 10 games, such is the extent of the attacking issues for Sean Dyche's men.
Philogene offers pace and skill from either wing, but with all his senior level goals and assists coming in the Championship and FA Cup, it remains to be seen if he can make an impact in the Premier League.
Upgrade? (2/5): Ndiaye a bright spark
Everton only have one recognised left-winger in the squad at present, thus they could do with some strength in depth in that position.
That player, though, is Iliman Ndiaye, one of the more exciting players currently in Dyche's squad, and though he has only managed three league goals, that is the joint-most for the Toffees in 2024/25.
Logic (2/5): Time to develop
Still only 22 and under contract until 2029, Philogene has more than enough time to grow at Villa Park and force himself into Unai Emery's starting line-up. However, he might not get much more game time at Goodison Park.
Everton need proven top-flight goal scorers and creators to ward off relegation, which Philogene is not.
Whisper+ verdict: 13/25
The Romano treatment alone means this rumour is one to take note of, even if it doesn't make too much sense for anyone involved.
