Everton man has become ‘symbol’ of successful transfer window – Club urged to pay pre-agreed price

Everton’s Niels Nkounkou has been out on loan since the start of the 2021/22 season.

The left-back was allowed to join Cardiff City on a temporary deal last summer. His stay there was cut short in January and the Toffees sent him out on loan to Saint-Étienne in the same window.

L’Equipe on Monday explains the Ligue 2 side’s decision to bet on the Everton owned man has paid off. Operating mainly as a left wing-back and at times as a left-back, he’s managed four goals and seven assists from 12 matches.

The 22-year-old has played a key part in the French club’s good run this year, where they have collected 27 points from the last 13 games, which is more than what they picked up [15 points] from the first 17 matches.

Due to this, it’s explained the defender has become Saint-Étienne’s ‘symbol of a perfectly successful’ transfer window in January.

As a part of the loan deal agreed with Everton, the second division French club can make the fullback’s stay permanent for €2m. L’Equipe have urged them to pay this fee to Sean Dyche’s side to buy him.

Saint-Étienne would have to trim their squad to make room for Nkounkou and L’Equipe state this may be the price they have to pay if they want to be left with a better squad for next season.