New Everton recruit Henry Onyekuru has claimed that he had been the subject of an approach from a staggering 48 clubs during the January transfer window.
Fortunately for the Toffees, they were the club that prevailed in signing the highly-rated 20-year-old from KAS Eupen, but he has since been loaned back to Belgium to play for Jupiler League champions Anderlecht.
The Nigerian forward was in blistering form last season, and it’s no surprise that he attracted attention, but 48 clubs making contact over him is certainly a stunning amount.
After such intense interest, Onyekuru has revealed he sought the help of fellow countryman and former West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie, who didn’t push him towards a move to England.
“In total there were contacts with 48 clubs in January. I had been to a club in the Premier League and Celtic also wanted me. It was Peter Odemwingie who recommended me to go to Scotland,” said Onyekuru, as quoted by Belgian news outlet HLN.
“The Premier League has always been my dream.”
Onyekuru has been part of a mass summer recruitment drive from Ronald Koeman, and it’s a possibility that the Dutchman’s prowess in the transfer market helped the ex-Eupen ace make up his mind.
He joins Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen, Sandro Ramirez, Michael Keane and Boris Mathis in signing for the Toffees, who are preparing for life back in continental competition after qualifying for the Europa League last season.
Oneykuru helped Eupen secure a comfortable finish in the Belgian top-flight following their promotion the year before.
He scored 24 goals in 41 matches across all competitions last term and even earned his first senior international cap for Nigeria at the start of June.