Everton attempted a late move to sign 21-year-old Espanyol right-back Omar El Hilali in the final hours of the summer transfer window.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo, Omar El Hilali was the subject of interest from Everton. The Toffees were keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a right-back in the final hours of the summer transfer window. So, the 21-year-old Espanyol wide player emerged as a target for the Merseyside outfit.

Everton submitted an official offer to sign the L’Hospitalet de Llobregat native, with Nottingham Forest, Wolverhampton Wanderers, and Como also lodging bids to secure his services. However, a late deal did not materialise, as Espanyol pointed to the release of €25 million to part ways with EL Hilali in the summer transfer window. So, a late move never came to fruition.

Omar El Hilali and his progress at RCD Espanyol

Omar El Hilali has established himself as one of the brightest young prospects in La Liga in the last 12 months. The L’Hospitalet de Llobregat native spent his formative years in Spain and graduated from the youth division at RCD Espanyol. The 21-year-old broke into the first-team squad at the Catalan club a few years ago and has become a mainstay at the back at the RCDE Stadium.

The Moroccan youth international has made nearly 100 appearances thus far for Espanyol while chipping in with four assists. Meanwhile, El Hilali’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several well-known clubs, and Everton attempted to secure his services in the final hours of the summer transfer window by submitting an official offer.

A man in demand

Widespread reports have linked Omar El Hilali with several Premier League clubs, including Aston Villa and Manchester City. However, those bigwigs never launched an offensive to sign the Spanish-born full-back, with Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Wolverhampton Wanderers instead chasing his signature.

Everton’s interest in Omar El Hilali made sense. The Toffees needed a new right-back, as Seamus Coleman is in the twilight of his career, and Nathan Patterson has struggled with fitness issues throughout his spell with the Merseyside club. While Jake O’Brien has excelled as a right-back, he may have a long-term future as a centre-back.

So, it is hardly surprising that Everton submitted a late bid to sign El Hilali. However, Espanyol pointed to the 21-year-old full-back’s release clause of €25 million to part ways with El Hilali in the summer transfer window. Apart from Everton, three other clubs lodged offers to secure his services. However, a move did not materialise.