• Maxime Esteve, Burnley defender, expresses strong interest in playing for a top-six Premier League club, particularly Tottenham Hotspur.
• Esteve cites Tottenham's Micky van de Ven as an inspiration due to similar playing style and speed.
• Everton's pursuit of Esteve may face challenges due to the player's preference for Tottenham and other top-tier clubs.

Burnley defender Maxime Esteve has publicly stated his desire to play for a top-six Premier League club, with Tottenham Hotspur being his preferred destination. This revelation comes as Everton reportedly shows interest in signing the £30m-rated French defender. Esteve's admiration for Tottenham's Micky van de Ven and his long-held dream of playing in the Premier League could significantly impact Everton's transfer plans and increase competition for his signature. His statements were made in an interview with Foot Mercato.

• What: Maxime Esteve, a 22-year-old Burnley defender, has expressed his desire to play for a top-six Premier League club, specifically mentioning Tottenham Hotspur as a preferred destination. He admires Tottenham's Micky van de Ven and sees similarities in their playing styles.
• Who: Key individuals include Maxime Esteve (Burnley defender), David Moyes (Everton manager), Micky van de Ven (Tottenham defender), Gareth Bale (former Tottenham player), and potentially Dan Friedkin (Everton owner). Key organizations are Everton, Tottenham Hotspur, and Burnley FC.
• When: The news was reported in early May 2025, with Esteve's comments made in an interview with Foot Mercato. His move to Burnley was made permanent in the summer.
• Where: The events relate to potential transfers within the English Premier League, involving clubs in England. Esteve currently plays for Burnley.

Maxime Esteve's public declaration of his desire to play for a top-six Premier League club, particularly Tottenham, significantly complicates Everton's transfer plans. While Everton needs to bolster their squad, Esteve's preference suggests they may face an uphill battle. This situation highlights the challenges faced by clubs outside the top-six when trying to sign promising players. Burnley's promotion to the Premier League could influence his decision, as mentioned, but his ambition to play for a top club may outweigh this factor. His admiration for Micky van de Ven signals a clear preference for Tottenham's style of play and the opportunity to compete at a higher level.

My dream is more to play for a top-six club in England.

There’s a player I love very much in the Premier League… Micky van de Ven, the centre of Tottenham. He is very fast, and I like him because I have the impression that I have a bit of the same speed qualities, even if he goes much faster. I feel inspired by him, because he’s a player who has about the same profile as me.

When I was young, I dreamed of playing in the Premier League. I watched basically just that on the TV […] My dream is to play for a top-six team in England. I wouldn’t say there is any club in particular but my dream is to go there

Maxime Esteve's preference for a top-six Premier League club, specifically Tottenham, presents a significant hurdle for Everton's transfer ambitions. While Burnley's promotion might offer some appeal, Esteve's long-held dream and admiration for players like Micky van de Ven suggest a strong inclination towards joining a higher-tier club. This situation underscores the competitive nature of the transfer market and the challenges faced by clubs outside the elite group. The saga's outcome remains uncertain, pending potential offers and Esteve's final decision.