According to Sky Sports Everton are showing a huge interest in signing a Senegal Player
Everton’s pursuit of attacking reinforcements has taken a dramatic turn after they were told they must cough up a staggering £65 million to sign highly rated winger Assane Diao. The Toffees, under new sporting leadership and with David Moyes back in charge, are actively scouring the market for wide players who can add creativity, pace, and goal threat ahead of the new Premier League season.
After a relatively quiet few windows in terms of big spending, the Friedkin Group’s takeover has ushered in a fresh era of ambition. The club’s new owners are eager to make a statement in the transfer market and have already sanctioned several moves. The recent signing of Spanish full-back Adam Aznou from Bayern Munich marked one of the first acquisitions under their watch. Though Aznou is a promising addition, Moyes is far from finished.
With a thin squad and multiple gaps to fill, the Everton boss has reportedly set his sights on securing up to nine new signings this summer to revamp the team. One of the most pressing concerns remains the flanks — an area where Everton were sorely lacking in quality and consistency last season. While the addition of striker Thierno Barry has boosted their attacking options centrally, there is still a major need for dynamic wide men who can stretch defences and provide service from the wings.
As part of their ongoing search, Everton made contact earlier this week regarding Assane Diao, a rising star currently playing for Italian side Como in Serie A. The 18-year-old winger, who only joined the club from Real Betis in January, has already impressed scouts across Europe with his explosive pace, technical ability, and fearlessness on the ball. He is also a full international with Senegal, further underlining his talent and potential.
However, Everton’s enquiry has been met with a firm and expensive response. According to reports from Sky Sports Italia, Como have informed the Merseyside club that Diao will only be allowed to leave if they receive an offer in the region of €75 million (£65 million). The hefty fee reflects the club’s strong desire to retain the young talent, as well as their recognition of his rising stock in European football.
This price tag presents a dilemma for Everton. Although the Friedkin Group are backing Moyes in the market with a reported £100 million transfer budget, such a significant outlay on a single player — particularly one still so early in his career — would represent a major gamble. With funds already partially spent and several more areas in the squad requiring attention, splashing the majority of their remaining budget on Diao could leave them short elsewhere.
The club is also monitoring Malick Fofana, another winger, currently at Lyon. Fofana, however, appears to be holding out for a move to a Champions League club, which may open the door wider for Everton to prioritize Diao — if they’re willing to meet the price.
Behind the scenes, there is belief that signing Diao would be a major statement of intent. He fits the profile of the type of high-ceiling talent the Friedkin Group wants to associate with their new Everton project. Nevertheless, the recruitment team is now assessing whether better value can be found elsewhere — perhaps through loans, clever scouting, or identifying other young stars in emerging markets.
As the club’s budget tightens, Everton will be forced to turn to the loan market to bolster squad depth. Following a string of summer exits — including fringe players and loanees returning to parent clubs — the need for reinforcements across the board has intensified. Loans may become an essential tool for adding quality without spending heavily, especially with Premier League loan allocations still available.
Moyes, though experienced, will also need to learn from last season’s underwhelming temporary signings. The likes of Jack Harrison and Jesper Lindstrom failed to make the desired impact, leaving the club short on consistent wide play. This time around, smarter loan decisions will be key if Everton are to avoid repeating similar mistakes.
In the meantime, young full-back Adam Aznou has expressed his excitement at joining the Toffees and represents a shrewd acquisition in a tough market. His arrival shows Everton are capable of attracting emerging talent without overpaying — a balance the club must continue to strike moving forward.
With Moyes pushing hard for reinforcements and pre-season preparations already underway, the pressure is on the board and recruitment staff to deliver the quality and depth required for a strong campaign. Whether Assane Diao proves to be the marquee signing they’re hoping for, or if alternative targets come into focus, remains to be seen.
One thing is certain — Everton must act decisively and efficiently in the coming weeks if they hope to return to the top half of the table and begin a new chapter of competitiveness under the Friedkins.