Everton scouts have been making regular checks on Bosnia and Herzegovina winger Esmir Bajraktarević, according to reports in the player’s homeland.
Moyes excited for first Hill Dickinson derby
David Moyes hopes the first Merseyside derby at the Hill Dickinson is as memorable as the final one at Goodison Park.
The Toffees closed a memorable chapter at their former home against Liverpool with a 90th-minute equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw in February 2025.
Now, Arne Slot’s side visit their new home on Sunday for the first time.
Moyes told a press conference: “It was amazing, the last game at Goodison. Privileged that I was in that position to take the team.
“A bit sad to leave Goodison because it was so important to me, my family over an 11-year tenure before that. Leaving it in a good way was pleasing. We are now at Hill Dickinson Stadium and are enjoying it.
“When you move to a new stadium, it is always difficult, you look through the records – it has never been easy.
“We’ve had our ups and downs. We are finding a bit of form now, I hope we can maintain that.
“We have got three big games at home to look forward to and hope we can get some good results.”
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He’s one to watch.
Liverpool have a number of injury problems ahead of the fixture, with Hugo Ekitike now a long-term absentee and Joe Gomez set to miss out after picking up a muscle problem against PSG.
Everton scouting ‘new Messi’ Bajraktarević
According to Bosnian outlet SportSport, PSV winger Bajraktarević is on the radar of both Bournemouth and Everton in the Premier League, as well as Serie A side AC Milan.
The Toffees interest is seen as more serious however, as they have been scouting him regularly for both club and country.
Born in the USA and dubbed ‘the Milwaukee Messi’ for his quick feet and dribbling ability, the 21 year-old played a key role in Bosnia’s dramatic World Cup qualification, playing the full games against both Wales and Italy during the last international break.
Bajraktarević vs Italy
120 minutes played
Successful penalty in shoot-out
3 shots
6 key passes
8 dribbles
2 tackles
Capable of playing up front but at his best on the right flank, the young attacker has scored twice and provided two assists in the Eredivisie this season, and was praised by former USA coach Gregg Berhalter for his “aggressive” style and willingness to do the dirty side of the game out of possession, which should be music to Moyes’ ears.