“Without being greedy” – Forward makes honest admission on rejecting Everton approach

Zakaria Aboukhlal has told Onze Mondial that he rejected an approach made by Everton earlier in his career.

After coming up through the ranks of Willem II’s academy, the 23-year-old had spells at PSV Eindhoven and AZ Alkmaar.

He spent two years at PSV, out of which one year was with their youth team, before joining AZ Alkmaar in 2019. The forward attracted interest from Everton, who were keen on bringing him to Goodison Park.

Instead, the Dutch-born Morocco international turned down the Toffees in favour of AZ Alkmaar.

During a detailed interview, the player explained how his short spell at PSV helped in his development. When Onze Mondial then asked him if it’s true that he gave preference to AZ Alkmaar over Everton, he revealed the reason for snubbing the Merseyside club.

“Yes, at that time I was still too young. I had not played many matches in the Dutch first division,” he said.

“I wasn’t ready to join a league like the Premier League. It’s a very competitive league with fantastic players. I have confidence in myself, but I am also realistic and I think it would not have been the right choice to join such a championship without being ready.”

Aboukhlal left AZ Alkmaar for Toulouse in 2022. The attacker has managed 12 goals and five assists from 36 games this season for the Ligue 1 side.