Everton now seriously plotting move to sign Bundesliga star in big-money deal

The Friedkin Group are preparing to spend big at Everton for the second summer in a row, with Stuttgart’s Jamie Leweling one of several names already on their radar.

Everton targeting Bundesliga attacker

It may not seem it with their European hopes slipping away, but Everton have plenty to build on this summer. David Moyes has taken them from relegation concerns to top-half ambitions, and Friedkin’s recruitment plans would suggest that the only way from here is up.

The likes of John Stones and Jack Grealish, who could make his loan move permanent, have emerged as early targets. The former would be a particularly impressive signing and could return to the club for the first time since leaving a decade ago.

It’s not just in Manchester that the Toffees are looking to complete their shopping, however. According to Sky Germany, Everton are seriously plotting a move to sign Leweling from Stuttgart this summer. The attacking star is attracting plenty of interest and is valued at more than €50m (£43m) at the German club.

Everton’s most expensive signings of all time
Rank	Player	Fee	Signed from	Year
1	Gylfi Sigurdsson	£45m	Swansea City	2017
2	Tyler Dibling	£42m	Southampton	2025
3	Richarlison	£40m	Watford	2018
4	Amadou Onana	£33m	Lille	2022
=5	Romelu Lukaku	£28m	Chelsea	2014

That opens up the possibility of a record deal in Merseyside in what would be quite the statement from those at the Hill Dickinson stadium.

With 23 goal involvements in all competitions this season, it’s easy to see why Everton have concrete interest in Leweling. The winger could be the perfect alternative to Grealish if the Toffees decide against turning his loan move permanent this summer. Add in the fact that he can play six different positions and he becomes an even better option.

£43m+ Leweling could replace Grealish

Whilst Grealish has already won the hearts of all involved at Everton, Leweling would likely be an upgrade on the Man City loanee. The German has been involved in more goals this season and is at the peak of his powers as a 25-year-old attacker. He’d be worth every penny of a record deal.

League stats 25/26	Grealish	Leweling
Minutes	1,631	2,375
Goals	2	7
Assists	6	9
XG	2.15	4.29
Take-on success	40.4%	45.6%

The Stuttgart star has outperformed Grealish in several key areas this season. Outside of his goal involvements, he has proved to be a creative outlet for his side, with almost 50% of his take-ons ending in success.

Praise from Fabian Wohlgemuth would suggest that the German is one of the most reliable players at the club, with the Stuttgart chief saying: “Jamie featured in every Bundesliga match [last season], and that statistic alone shows just how important he is to the team.

“His commitment and willingness to work for the team make him a very valuable player for us. We also think that he has plenty of potential to develop further, and that’s why we decided to tie Jamie down to VfB on a long-term deal.”