Everton are thought to be less confident of signing Kurt Zouma on a permanent basis after Chelsea were struck with a transfer ban by FIFA.
This information comes from the Liverpool Echo, who believe that there has been a mood change in light of recent events. It’s claimed that Everton want Zouma on a permanent basis, but the club are unsure whether Chelsea will let him go.
They provide quotes from Everton manager Marco Silva as evidence of their lack of confidence of striking a deal, with the Portuguese being quoted by the Liverpool Echo saying:
“Let’s see what we can do or not and what will be our decision. It is also about the decision of Kurt and Chelsea so there will be three parts on his possible or not deal: us, Kurt and Chelsea.”
“In the right moment we have to take our decision, they have to take a decision and Kurt also.”
From a Chelsea perspective, the transfer ban changes little in this particular situation. The question is, and always has been, whether Zouma is good enough to be part of our squad.
Zouma displayed great potential after arriving in 2014, but an anterior cruciate ligament rupture put an end to his run in the side. He has been unable to force his way back in since sustaining that injury.
Even if Chelsea believe that Zouma’s time at Goodison Park has been a success, it may not be enough to convince them that he has a higher ceiling than Andreas Christensen or Ethan Ampadu.
It wouldn’t be a surprise to us if Zouma was made available in the summer, even if we were unable to spend the cash that his sale would generate.
