Everton have stepped up their January transfer business, tabling a formal bid for PSV Eindhoven's red-hot 21-year-old winger Esmir Bajraktarević. The Toffees are racing against the clock, hoping to seal the deal before this summer's World Cup sends his price tag into orbit.
According to Bosnian outlet SportSport, Everton scouts were in the stands for PSV's emphatic 6-1 demolition of PEC Zwolle. Bajraktarević didn't just show up that day—he stole the show with two goals and two assists, a performance that convinced the club to act fast. While the exact fee remains under wraps, PSV have yet to respond to the offer.
Bajraktarević has a fascinating backstory. Raised in the United States, he chose to represent Bosnia on the international stage and even earned the nickname "the Milwaukee Messi" during his time with the New England Revolution in MLS. He made the jump to PSV in January 2025 and, after a quiet adjustment period, has exploded this season with seven goals and five assists. He's already a national hero back home after coolly slotting home the winning penalty against Italy to qualify Bosnia for the World Cup.
Transfermarkt currently values him at €5m, but PSV will undoubtedly demand a significant premium. With Bournemouth, RB Leipzig, and AC Milan also circling, Everton know they can't afford to drag their feet.
So, does he solve Everton's attacking problems? Honestly, he probably only fixes part of the puzzle. The Toffees desperately need an upgrade on the right wing, where Dwight McNeil has managed zero goals and just one assist in 20 league appearances this season—a dismal return that leaves David Moyes with little to no spark out wide. Bajraktarević fits the profile perfectly: he's direct, left-footed, and loves cutting inside from the right to create chances.
There are still some question marks, though. He's only started five league games this season, so his experience at the highest level remains limited. But with the World Cup on the horizon and his stock rising fast, Everton are betting that this young star can provide the attacking spark they've been missing.