A former Everton scout has detailed how Everton were exploring the possibility of signing Napoli stars Kim Min-Jae and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia earlier in their respective careers.
Carlo Jacomuzzi, who had worked with the Toffees in the past, revealed that the club had 'wanted' to sign Min-Jae, while 21-year-old star Kvaratshkelia was also 'evaluated' during his early years. The pair both arrived in Italy over the summer as part of an outstanding summer of recruitment in Naples that also saw Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa signed from Fulham.
Georgian winger Kvaratshkelia already looks set to become one of the most exciting attackers in the world, his eight goals and 10 assists pivotal in helping Luciano Spalletti's side top their Champions League group and lead Serie A with 15 games unbeaten. South Korean centre-back Kim Min-Jae has been equally impressive, catching the eyes of Europe's top clubs in the process.
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The breakthrough of the two stars this season may be of particular pain to Everton, who saw apparent interest in both come to nothing. Former Blues Scout Jacomuzzi detailed earlier this week that the club were looking at them.
“Napoli’s scouts were good at bringing Kim and Kvaratskhelia to Napoli at those prices,” he told Radio Crc (via Calcio Napoli). “Kim, when I was at Everton four years ago, we wanted to get him, then some problems happened in the transfer and Kvaratshkelia was also evaluated. The big deal then, Napoli made it on the figures.”
While it is important to note the influence of hindsight in situations like these, Evertonians would understandably be frustrated with the failure to land two players who are now among the best across the European leagues. The Toffees have seemingly had a recent habit of moving for similar quality players before they explode on the world stage.
Just this summer, Frank Lampard's side reportedly saw late bids rejected for Mykhaylo Mudryk and Mohammed Kudus - the latter of which is thought to have skipped Ajax training in a bid to force a move to Goodison Park.
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