King stunned by 'Ridiculous' £50m+ transfer speculation, Everton told to 'work harder'

Bryan King believes Everton need to “work harder” to bring players through their academy.

The ex-Goodison scout doesn’t understand the need to go out and sign big-money youngsters from foreign clubs.

It comes after Caught Offside reported (6 October) that Everton are one of several Premier League clubs monitoring the development of 18-year-old Santos sensation Joao Pedro Chermont.

The right-back has a release clause of £58million, with Santos open to offers below that value.

However, King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – can’t believe the player’s release clause is that high in the first place.

“We’re looking at a player to join from academy level, and he has a £58million release clause?” King said.

“I could understand a deal for a player like that reaching £58million with add-ons. However, these figures are ridiculous, we’re talking about an unproven player.

“He might have potential but a lot of things can go wrong on the way to fulfilling potential. This is where the Everton academy needs to work harder on bringing homegrown talent through.

“These clubs that are going out and buying from abroad, it is shortening the chances for local players who might have potential as well. I think clubs need to start working harder in their academies to produce players.”

Everton to sign Santos sensation Joao Pedro Chermont?

Chelsea and Arsenal are reportedly ready to make offers for Chermont, while Real Madrid and Barcelona were also mentioned. Therefore, it does seem incredibly unlikely that the Toffees will be able to win any race for his signature.

While the impending Dan Friedkin takeover at Goodison Park, which has left King slightly frightened, could open the door to potential spending in January, it does seem unlikely that Chermont would pick the Toffees, even if the money was right.

However, it might prove to be a blessing in disguise. As King alluded to, there will be plenty of talented youngsters at Finch Farm eager to make the step up from the club’s academy to the first team.

Jarrad Branthwaite is an example of just how important a homegrown academy player can become. While he didn’t come through Everton’s academy, he was signed for a relatively low fee from Carlisle United, and while his injury issues will be frustrating Sean Dyche, he no doubt remains the club’s most important player.

Therefore, this is proof that Everton don’t need to go out and sign highly-valued foreign talent to bring in a young player who can make an impact at first-team level.

In other Everton news, Manchester City have sent a letter to the club after what the Premier League has done.

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