Report explains why £13.5m man turned down chance to join Everton on deadline day

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Dutch outlet Voetbal International have claimed that Everton missed out on signing Bayern Munich striker Joshua Zirkzee on deadline day to Italian side Parma – because the striker was concerned about a lack of game time, if he joined Everton.

Zirkzee, 19, has completed a loan-to-buy move to sign for one of Italy’s biggest clubs in Parma – who continue to climb back up the Serie A table after years of financial ruin that saw them plummet down the Italian footballing pyramid.

They sit in the relegation zone in the top tier of Italian football this season, but Zirkzee has chosen to join them over Everton. Sky Italy journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed on his website that a permanent £13.5million clause has been included.

Everton signed Josh King from Bournemouth on a short-term six-month deal – but were turned down beforehand by Zirkzee. VI claim that is because the striker was concerned about a lack of game time as back-up to Dom Calvert-Lewin.

TBR’s view – Zirkzee has enormous potential

But right now, the better player is King. The 51-time Norway international will understand that he will probably not start, and might only get a handful of chances between now and the end of the season. He is at his peak, and will not improve.

Zirkzee is still a teenager and needs game time to further his development. He has made the right decision in ignoring Everton – just look at Moise Kean. Struggling at Everton, he got game time at PSG and has impressed for the Ligue 1 champions.

Zirkzee choosing Parma is the right decision, while Everton signing King probably suits them better in the short term.