Everton confronts €25 million price tag for Mandela Keita

Parma Calcio 1913 have set a €30 million asking price for 24‑year‑old Belgian international Mandela Keita, a figure that clashes with Everton Football Club’s need for a multi‑year payment plan under the Premier League’s Profitability and Sustainability Rules. The Merseyside side must weigh the cost against its squad budget.

Everton completed the £21 million (€25 million) signing of Middlesbrough midfielder Hayden Hackney on Thursday, adding a creative option to their midfield. The club has already turned its attention to securing Keita as a complementary deep‑lying anchor.

Keita, who featured in 37 Serie A matches for Parma last season, posted an 86 percent pass completion rate and operates as a lone anchor. His defensive discipline aligns with David Moyes’ tactical emphasis on physical presence and disciplined transitions.

Atalanta also pursue Keita and have already agreed personal terms, including contract length and wages. The Italian club recently generated €57 million from the sale of Marco Palestra to Chelsea and expects further inflows from the pending Ederson deal.

Everton cannot meet the €25 million upfront price, prompting a request for a staggered payment schedule. Parma has so far resisted the proposal, while Atalanta’s cash reserves give them a decisive edge in negotiations.

A photograph by Emmanuele Ciancaglini shows Keita during Parma’s Serie A fixture against SSC Napoli on 12 April 2026, illustrating his on‑field role.

The situation reflects a broader trend of Italian clubs leveraging recent high‑value sales to fund acquisitions, while Premier League clubs grapple with strict financial regulations. Everton may need to redirect spending toward domestic, lower‑cost alternatives to reinforce their squad.