Report: PL rivals eye deal for Euro 2020 star after Everton exit, Ancelotti wanted him to stay

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Brighton and Burnley are targeting moves to sign Robin Olsen after the Roma goalkeeper left Everton, according to Calciomercato.

Olsen spent last season on loan at Everton and produced solid performances when called on to replace Jordan Pickford. Carlo Ancelotti had wanted to keep the Sweden shot-stopper at Goodison Park and even discussed a £4.3m move.

But Ancelotti leaving Merseyside to return to Real Madrid saw plans for Olsen fall to the side. He will likely now return to Roma for pre-season, but only to pass through Jose Mourinho’s side before another adventure.

Olsen may return to the Premier League next term with Brighton and Burnley both keen on the 31-year-old. Mourinho is unlikely to offer the goalkeeper a chance to earn himself a role at Roma with several players leaving.

Olsen will not be expected to decide his future until Euro 2020 concludes with Sweden currently top of Group E. The 46-cap star kept clean sheets against Spain and Slovakia to open the tournament, and faces Poland on Wednesday.

Ancelotti fielded Olsen 11 times across all competitions during his season-long loan with Everton last term. He recorded three shutouts, including in a 2-0 win at Leicester City, and kept the Toffees in reach of Tottenham in the FA Cup.

TBR’s view: Everton may rue Olsen at Brighton or Burnley

Ancelotti stated in December that he wanted Olsen to stay at Everton after the Roma goalkeeper’s loan. The Italian reiterated his plans in April, as well, calling him ‘a fantastic guy and a really good goalkeeper,’ via the Liverpool Echo.

Ancelotti was often effusive in praise for Olsen while at Everton as he did not see many differences to Pickford. The Blues may now be made to rue the shot-stopper going back to Rome only to return elsewhere in the Premier League.

Olsen would have offered the new Everton manager a great backup option at a seemingly low price had he stayed. Instead, two clubs lower in the standings can strengthen their ranks with a proven talent currently starring at Euro 2020.