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Everton’s missed transfer targets Kurt Zouma and Abdoulaye Doucoure have opening weekend to forget
There is little doubt that Everton were interested in both Kurt Zouma and Abdoulaye Docuoure this summer. Both Frenchman were linked with transfers to Goodison Park but never made the move.
Chelsea defender Zouma had a positive experience on loan with Everton last season. Doucoure previously played under Everton boss Marco Silva at Watford.
in June, Everton wanted Zouma permanently and a £30 million asking price was mooted. last week that Everton had seen a £32 million bid for the Watford midfielder rejected.
Chelsea are under a transfer embargo so selling Zouma never seemed to be a possibility. Watford, on the other hand, want to build a team which is heavily reliant on Doucoure’s presence. So the combined £62 million worth of transfer targets started the Premier League campaign away from Everton.
Based on their performances, Everton will not be overly concerned.
Yesterday saw Zouma struggle as Chelsea were defeated 4-0 at Old Trafford. He gave away a penalty for the opening goal of the game with a rash challenge and generally struggled to have any positive impact on proceedings throughout.
Doucoure did not perform much better on Saturday. Watford were torn apart at Vicarage Road in a 3-0 loss to Brighton. The French midfielder scored an own goal to get the Seagulls off the mark and the game completely passed him by.
Neither of these failed Everton targets showed their best form this weekend. They will undoubtedly look to improve as the season continues.