New Everton signing Reveals Why He Rejected PSG

Henry Onyekuru on loan at Anderlecht
Henry Onyekuru on loan at Anderlecht

What's the story?

Nigerian Attacker, Henry Onyekuru, has revealed that he nearly signed for PSG before rejecting a move to the French capital in favor of a transfer to Everton.

BBC reports that the player's friends and family changed his mind over signing with PSG over two years ago.

In case you did not know...

Onyekuru rejected a move to Paris and moved to Everton with a promise of more first-team action and also fulfilling his dream to play in the premier league. Due to work permit issues, he was sent on loan to Anderlecht, who was playing in the Champions League.

He gained a lot of experience there and earned himself a loan move to Galatasaray this season and has scored 12 goals in 26 appearances there.

The heart of the matter

PSG thought Onyekuru was about to sign for them after he completed the medical in Paris. But the 21-year-old striker called off the deal at the 11th hour. He said:

"I did a medical for Paris St-Germain on a Friday and we had to wait until Monday so they could make both signings [me and another player] official. Then I spoke to my friends because I have some good friends, and I asked if it was a good idea to play in Paris and they gave me their opinions.

"I also spoke to my mother and she said she just wants me to play because I'm young and still need to improve, and from there the right club will come. So I decided to go with my mother's advice so I just cut the deal off - just like that. I told my agent to call PSG that we are not going ahead with it."

"We had Everton before PSG and we all knew getting a UK work permit was going to be difficult. But their relationship with Anderlecht helped a lot in finalising things."

What's next?

Next season Henry Onyekuru will back at Merseyside fighting for a place in Everton's first team. He has already sorted out his work permit issues and will be giving Walcott and Bernard a run for their money next season. He would also be fulfilling his childhood dream of playing in the premier league.

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Edited by Shambhu Ajith