Everton launch bid for in-demand Galatasaray winger – report

Premier League strugglers have reportedly approached Galatasaray with a tangible offer for highly-rated winger Yunus Akgun.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatic, the Toffees have pitched the runaway Super Lig leaders with a loan bid featuring a purchase option at the end of the season.

Valid target

The 25-year-old’s contract at Rams Park runs out in 2026, but Okan Buruk’s men haven’t lost hope of tying him down to a new long-term deal.

Galatasaray hope to convince their sought-after forward to pledge his loyalty to the club by offering him a substantial pay rise.

However, Akgun may have other plans.

Familiar with English football after helping Leicester City win Premier League promotion last season, he could fancy a move to Goodison Park.

Indeed, he spent the 2023/24 campaign on loan at the King Power Stadium, making 23 Championship appearances for the Foxes.

Galatasaray won’t go down without a fight

Akgun has excelled since returning from his loan spell in the Midlands.

Despite stern competition for places in Istanbul, he has established himself as a permanent fixture in Buruk’s starting XI.

He has tallied 11 goals and six assists from 24 matches across all competitions this term, hence Galatasaray’s reluctance to lose him midway through the campaign.

For further perspective, he’s been ahead of Hakim Ziyech, Kerem Demirbay and Dries Mertens in the pecking order.

As such, the Turkish heavyweights are hellbent on fending off Everton’s advances.

Necessary addition

Sean Dyche must address Everton’s attacking shortcomings in the January transfer window to bolster their survival hopes.

A 1-0 defeat at Bournemouth last weekend marked the Toffees’ 11 scoreless Premier League outing in 19 this season.

Dyche must increase his firepower this month, especially after Everton’s lead on 18th-placed Ipswich Town shrunk to a mere point.

Summer additions of Jesper Lindstrom and Armando Broja haven’t produced the desired effect, amplifying the need for another forward.

Akgun’s winter arrival could be just what the doctor ordered to turn the campaign on its head.