Everton Explored £19m Ermedin Demirovic Deal: Why It Collapsed

Everton Held Talks to Sign Ermedin Demirovic Before Deadline

Everton reportedly explored a move for VfB Stuttgart forward Ermedin Demirovic this summer, holding talks to learn the conditions of a deal for the £19m-rated striker. The 28-year-old ultimately refused to leave the German club, leaving Everton short up front.

Player: Ermedin Demirovic, 28-year-old striker, VfB Stuttgart and Bosnia and Herzegovina
Everton action: Held talks to learn details of signing Demirovic
Other interest: Aston Villa, Brighton and Hove Albion and Galatasaray; Galatasaray launched a £17m bid
Outcome: Demirovic refused to leave Stuttgart; a key player under Sebastian Hoeness
Everton alternatives: Tammy Abraham, Folarin Balogun, Valentin Castellanos; Balogun deal collapsed on deadline day
Valuation: Around £19m (Transfermarkt)

Deal Details

According to TEAMtalk, Everton were in the market for a new striker after selling Beto and made contact to learn what it would take to sign Demirovic. No fee was agreed with Stuttgart, but the forward is valued at around £19m by Transfermarkt. The talks never advanced to a formal bid.

Aston Villa and Brighton and Hove Albion also enquired about Demirovic's availability. Galatasaray went further, launching a £17m bid, but the offer was rejected by the player himself. Demirovic chose to stay in Germany, where he remains a key figure for manager Sebastian Hoeness.

Everton's striker search was not limited to Demirovic. The Merseyside club also considered Tammy Abraham, Folarin Balogun and Valentin Castellanos. They came very close to signing Balogun on deadline day before the deal fell through, leaving Thierno Barry as the only specialist striker option following Beto's departure.

The Numbers Behind Demirovic's Form

21 goal contributions across all competitions in his debut Stuttgart campaign
15 goals and four assists last season
Helped Stuttgart finish fourth in the Bundesliga and qualify for the Champions League
Four goals in as many appearances this season
Scored a hat-trick in Stuttgart's 3-1 Champions League win over Viking
Valued at around £19m by Transfermarkt

Analysis: Why Everton Missed Out and What It Means

Everton's summer window was defined by a clear need: replace Beto, who was sold, with a proven goalscorer. Ermedin Demirovic fit the profile. At 28, he is experienced, physically robust and coming off a season of 15 goals and four assists for a Stuttgart side that finished fourth in the Bundesliga. His four goals in as many games this term, including a Champions League hat-trick against Viking, only underlined his sharpness. The £19m valuation was well within reach for a Premier League club that had just banked a fee for Beto. The problem was never money. It was the player's willingness to move.

That is the modern transfer market in a nutshell. Everton did the diligence — they held talks to learn the terms — but Demirovic had no desire to leave a club where he is central to Sebastian Hoeness's project. Galatasaray's £17m bid confirmed the market rate, and his rejection of it sent a clear message. Aston Villa and Brighton asked the same question and got the same answer. Everton were not alone in their admiration, but they were powerless against a player who simply did not want to go.

The fallback options tell their own story. Tammy Abraham, Folarin Balogun and Valentin Castellanos were all on the wishlist. Balogun, in particular, came very close on deadline day before the deal fell through. That leaves Thierno Barry as the sole specialist striker at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Barry struggled in his debut Premier League campaign after arriving from Villarreal but has shown promise this season. The pressure on him is now immense. Everton drew with Manchester United last weekend and face Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, and they will do so without the experienced alternative they spent the summer chasing.

Talking Points

Everton identified Demirovic as a target but failed to land him or Balogun. Was the recruitment team too slow, or simply unlucky with player preference?
Thierno Barry is now the only specialist striker. If he gets injured, Everton have no natural replacement. That is a serious squad-building error.
Demirovic's rejection of Galatasaray and the Premier League shows that not every player is motivated by money. Is that a refreshing change or a warning for English clubs?
Stuttgart's fourth-place finish and Champions League football gave Demirovic a platform Everton could not match. Should Everton have targeted younger, more attainable forwards?

What Happens Next

Everton face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon, with Thierno Barry expected to lead the line. The January window is the next opportunity to address the striker shortage, but Demirovic will not be available — he is committed to Stuttgart for the season. Everton's focus must now be on making the current squad work, starting with a positive result at Spurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Everton sign Ermedin Demirovic?

No. Everton held talks to learn the details of signing Demirovic, but the player refused to leave Stuttgart and no deal was agreed.

How much is Ermedin Demirovic valued at?

Around £19m, according to Transfermarkt. Galatasaray had a £17m bid rejected.

Who else did Everton try to sign this summer?

Everton were interested in Tammy Abraham, Folarin Balogun and Valentin Castellanos. They came very close to signing Balogun on deadline day before the deal collapsed.