Everton have secured the loan signing of Armando Broja from Chelsea, finalising the deal after the transfer window had officially closed.
The Toffees confirmed the striker’s arrival at 1.55 am on 31 August, almost three hours past the 11 pm deadline on 30 August, making the move a late but crucial addition to their squad.
The deal, which includes an option for Everton to make the move permanent for £30 million, was made possible after a deal sheet was submitted before the deadline, allowing the clubs extra time to iron out the details.
Broja’s move to Everton came after his proposed transfer to Ipswich Town fell through for the second time, leaving the Toffees to swoop in and take advantage.
Sean Dyche, the Everton manager, had been in search of additional firepower up front, especially with Neal Maupay departing for Marseille on Deadline Day.
The breakdown of Broja’s move to Ipswich presented an opportunity for Everton, and they acted swiftly to bring the Albanian international to Goodison Park.
The 22-year-old had initially been poised to join Ipswich on loan with a £30 million obligation to buy, but an injury reportedly scuppered the deal.
Broja’s arrival will bolster Everton’s attacking options, though he is not expected to be immediately available due to the aforementioned injury.
Despite this, Dyche will be relieved to have secured the services of the striker after a dramatic end to the transfer window. Everton had previously missed out on other targets, including Kalvin Phillips and Jens Cajuste, but Broja’s addition may help to offset those disappointments.
Interestingly, discussions between Everton and Chelsea also included a potential move for Dominic Calvert-Lewin to Stamford Bridge, with Broja and David Datro Fofana offered on loan as part of the negotiations.
However, Calvert-Lewin remains at Goodison Park, at least for now. His future may come under scrutiny again in January if he does not sign a new contract, as Everton could look to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.
Broja was one of the final additions in a busy transfer window for Everton, alongside Lyon midfielder Orel Mangala. Dyche will hope that these new signings can provide the boost needed as Everton aim to improve their fortunes this season.