Everton face Benfica race for Zuriko Davitashvili transfer

Everton may need to accelerate their January plans if they want to land Zuriko Davitashvili, with Benfica now emerging as serious and proactive rivals in the race for the Saint-Étienne forward.

The Georgian international was linked with a move to Everton earlier this week, but Portuguese outlet A Bola now report that Benfica are moving decisively to try to secure his signature during the January window.

According to A Bola, Davitashvili is one of several attacking profiles being actively assessed by Benfica’s board, with club sources confirming the winger is viewed as “very interesting”. Reports from Georgia have even suggested a bid of around €8m has already been discussed.

Geo Team back up that reporting, claiming both Everton and Benfica intend to pursue Davitashvili this month — but that the Portuguese giants are currently ahead in the process.

Crucially, the move is said to be driven by José Mourinho, who previously wanted the player at Fenerbahçe and has now made him a priority target.

Saint-Étienne are proving difficult to negotiate with. Geo Team report that an €8m approach has already been rejected, while Beşiktaş failed with bids of €10m and €12m during the summer window.

The Ligue 2 side are reluctant to sell their standout performer mid-season, particularly with promotion ambitions still alive. However, there is growing belief that Davitashvili and his representatives are more open to a move, creating tension between player ambition and club strategy.

At this stage, Everton are yet to submit a formal bid. That could prove costly if Benfica decide to firm up their interest with an improved offer that Saint-Étienne find harder to ignore.

From a recruitment perspective, Davitashvili fits Everton’s need for pace, directness and creativity in wide areas. However, the growing competition means patience may no longer be an option.

With Benfica actively pushing and Mourinho personally backing the move, Everton may soon face a clear choice: move decisively, or risk being edged out of the race entirely.

Unless Everton firm up their interest with a concrete bid, Benfica look well placed to take control of negotiations. Saint-Étienne’s stance suggests any deal will require persistence — and potentially an improved offer — before the January window closes.

Should Everton move quickly for Davitashvili — or walk away as the price and pressure rise?