Reported Everton transfer move for Thomas Strakosha is a surprise considering Carlo Ancelotti past

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Everton are reportedly interested in a move for Lazio goalkeeper Tomas Strakosha. According to a report from Il Tempo (13/03/2020, pg 30), the Albanian is a potential target to challenge Jordan Pickford for the number one spot at Goodison Park. In April last year, The Sun suggested that Strakosha could be valued at around £35 million, and his valuation would likely be in the same range this summer.

But the news that Strakosha is on Everton’s radar is very interesting when considering the apparent links between the 24-year-old and Napoli. 

Carlo Ancelotti became the Everton manager after leaving Naples and it was reported in 2018 that the Italian side were keen on Strakosha. 

In fact, as reported by CalcioNews24, Napoli made two bids to sign Strakosha in the summer of 2018. 

However, this was reportedly done prior to Ancelotti’s arrival at the Stadio San Paolo. In fact, the report suggested that the current Everton bosses move to Napoli was set to precede a change of tact and target. Napoli instead went for Alex Meret of Udinese and got their man, at a reported (Football Italia) cost of  €35 million (£30m). 

So it would appear that Ancelotti, at one point, decided that a move for Strakosha was not his preferred option. 

However, that being said, Everton would surely struggle in any move for Strakosha this summer regardless. The Albanian is currently thriving at Lazio, who are chasing the Serie A title. A move to battle for number one spot at Everton would simply not make sense.