Imam Jagne has been linked with a move to Everton
According to reports emerging from the Swedish press (h/t Liverpool Echo), Everton have been credited with an interest in highly-rated teenager Imam Jagne, who currently plies his trade with BK Hacken in Sweden.
Toffees director of football Marcel Brands has already held talks with the Swedish top-flight club over a potential deal for the 16-year-old, who has just over two years remaining on his current deal. (h/t Liverpool Echo)
As per the report, Everton are yet to make a final decision on the transfer but the defensive midfielder has been touted to put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Goodison Park if a move does go through before the deadline.
Jagne, who also holds Gambian citizenship, rose through the youth ranks of BK Hacken and caught the eye for the club’s U-17 and U-21 sides before making his first-team debut in the previous campaign. The talented teenager has also represented Sweden at the U-17 level.
Meanwhile, Everton have enjoyed a productive transfer window so far, with Carlo Ancelotti using his pulling power to attract top-quality players like Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Rodriguez, and Allan to Goodison Park
However, they should also be alert to market opportunities to improve their youth ranks, having already made some blockbuster signings this summer.
Imam Jagne, to that end, ticks the box as a talented young player with loads of untapped potential. That he has already started to rub shoulders with the senior pros at the tender age of 16, regardless of the level of competition, clearly indicates a level of maturity that belies his years.
Everton have some exciting young midfielders like Luke Batterfield, Isaac Price and Sean McAllister coming through their U-18 ranks. And Jagne could be yet another fantastic addition to the existing pool of burgeoning young talents at Goodison Park.
The process of transition from the academy to the senior ranks is quite lengthy when it comes to English top-flight. Hence, Imam Jagne will need to prove his worth at U-18 and U-23 levels before staking a claim for a place in Ancelotti’s first-team ranks.
Nevertheless, the Swedish starlet seems like a real talent at just 16, and Everton completing a deal for him could pay off handsomely for their long-term plans moving forward.