Report: Everton in ‘Advanced Talks’ to Sign Talented Serie A Midfielder | OneFootball

Everton in Advanced Talks for Napoli’s Jens Cajuste: A Strategic Move or Risky Gamble?

Everton fans, hold onto your hats—there could be a new face arriving at Goodison Park soon, and it’s one with plenty of promise. According to sources from TeamTalk, Everton are deep in negotiations to secure the services of Napoli’s Jens Cajuste on a loan deal. The 25-year-old Swedish midfielder, who joined Napoli last summer, might be donning the famous blue jersey sooner than expected. But what does this mean for Everton and their season ahead?

Why Jens Cajuste Could Be a Game-Changer for Everton

The arrival of Cajuste could be precisely what Everton needs as they seek to bolster their midfield. With a series of signings already under their belt, including Jake O’Brien, Illiman Ndiaye, and Tim Ireogbunam, the Toffees are clearly aiming to build a squad capable of competing on multiple fronts. Cajuste, who has spent the past year at Napoli, offers something different—a blend of physicality, tactical awareness, and an impressive ability to break up play.

Photo: IMAGO

Cajuste’s own words underscore his readiness for such a challenge. Speaking to Swedish publication Fotbolskanalen in June, he reflected on his time at Napoli, stating, “Being at a major club like Napoli has taught me the importance of maintaining focus on our goals. Every single day, 24/7, you have to work hard.” He added, “I’ve gained about 5 kilograms, which has helped me perform better in one-on-one situations.” For Everton, a club that has often struggled with consistency, particularly in the middle of the park, Cajuste’s discipline and work ethic could prove invaluable.

The Brentford and Ipswich Factor: Will Cajuste Choose Goodison?

While Everton appear to be the frontrunners in securing Cajuste’s services, they aren’t the only ones in the race. Brentford remains a strong contender, with the London club reportedly still interested despite earlier suggestions that their move had fallen through. Ipswich Town, too, were linked with the midfielder, but their pursuit seems to have cooled, particularly with their focus shifting towards securing Kalvin Phillips on loan.

Everton, however, might have the upper hand. According to TeamTalk’s sources, Cajuste is eager to play in the Premier League, and the lure of regular top-flight football could sway his decision. Brentford, although offering the appeal of London life, might not guarantee the same level of game time, particularly with their midfield already well-stocked.

Moreover, Cajuste’s situation at Napoli makes the move all the more likely. Despite his ambitions to stay and impress under Antonio Conte, it appears he’s not in the Italian’s plans for the season. TeamTalk reveals that Napoli is open to including an option to buy in any loan deal, which suggests they’re ready to part ways with the player. For Everton, this could be a perfect opportunity to bring in a high-calibre midfielder without a long-term commitment—unless, of course, Cajuste shines and convinces them to make the deal permanent.

Everton’s Transfer Strategy: Building a Competitive Squad

Everton’s summer transfer activity has been focused and strategic, aiming to strengthen key areas without overhauling the squad entirely. The potential acquisition of Cajuste fits this approach. At 6ft 2in, he adds height and physicality to a midfield that has sometimes been overrun in Premier League battles. His experience in Serie A, combined with his international credentials with Sweden, means he brings a level of maturity and adaptability that could benefit Everton, especially in those gritty matches that define a season.

What’s more, Everton’s ability to retain key players like Jarrad Branthwaite, despite interest from Manchester United, indicates a club that is not only attracting talent but also managing to keep hold of it. This stability, combined with the introduction of new faces like Cajuste, could be the key to a successful campaign.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index: Jens Cajuste’s Performance Data and Stats

Jens Cajuste’s recent performance data, as illustrated by the detailed radar chart from Fbref, offers a compelling insight into his strengths and areas of potential growth. This analysis focuses on three core areas: attacking, possession, and defending.

Attacking Capabilities of Jens Cajuste

Cajuste’s attacking metrics reflect a well-rounded contributor in the final third. He excels in non-penalty expected goals (npxG), sitting comfortably in the 75th percentile. His ability to be a goal-scoring threat is further highlighted by his non-penalty goals and expected assisted goals (xAG), both of which place him above the median when compared to other midfielders. Notably, his shot-creating actions rank in the 68th percentile, underscoring his capacity to be a creative force as well.

Possession Strengths

In terms of possession, Cajuste shines in several key areas, particularly in progressive passing and successful take-ons. His 90th percentile rank for progressive passes and 88th percentile for successful take-ons suggest he is proficient at driving the ball forward, breaking lines, and maintaining possession under pressure. However, his passing attempts and completion percentage are areas where he lags slightly, indicating room for improvement in his distribution consistency.

Defensive Contributions

Cajuste’s defensive stats are where he truly stands out. His blocks and clearances are particularly impressive, ranking in the 92nd and 78th percentiles, respectively. Moreover, his ability to win aerial duels (83rd percentile) and tackle dribblers (78th percentile) makes him a formidable presence in the midfield, capable of disrupting opposition plays effectively.

In summary, Jens Cajuste’s performance data showcases a midfielder with a strong defensive acumen, promising attacking contributions, and a solid presence in possession. As Everton considers bringing him into their fold, these stats indicate that he could be a significant asset, particularly in bolstering the team’s midfield solidity and attacking versatility.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

As an Everton fan, the prospect of adding Jens Cajuste to our squad is genuinely exciting. With his physicality and experience in a top European league, Cajuste could be the missing piece in our midfield puzzle. His ability to break up play and transition the ball effectively would add much-needed dynamism to our game.

Moreover, considering Brentford and Ipswich are also in the mix, it’s reassuring to know that we’re not just a backup option for him. If Cajuste chooses Goodison, it’s because he sees the potential here and believes he can make a real impact. This isn’t just another signing—it’s a statement of intent from a club that’s looking to move up the table.

The fact that we’re also holding onto key players like Branthwaite shows that we’re not just building for the short term. There’s a sense of stability and ambition at the club right now, and bringing in a player of Cajuste’s calibre could push us to the next level. Here’s hoping the deal gets over the line—because this could be the start of something special for Everton.