The 28-year-old Republic of Ireland international has bagged 25 league goals this season in 43 appearances.
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer said: “Everton are believed to be interested in signing Blackburn’s standout performer this season: Szmodics. He’s been outstanding. He’s scored 31 goals in all competitions, with 25 of them coming in the Championship. Brentford and Luton are also eyeing up the striker.
“This is a strange one, for me. Szmodics has never played in the Premier League. He’s never come close to his 25 goals this season in any other season.
“He’s spent a lot of his career in the lower divisions. Yes, he’s had a fantastic season – people should be looking at him, for sure. But to be talking about £20million, for somebody who’s never managed over 10-15 goals in the Championship before, is ridiculous.
“Obviously he’s 28-years-old, he’s going to be 29 in September. I think it’s way too much money, but this is what you’ve got to pay.”
Everton unlikely to prioritise Sammie Szmodics transfer
Spending £20million on a player who will turn 29 soon and has no Premier League experience is a risk that the Toffees, a club facing financial constraints and in need of cost-effective deals, should not take.
He suggests that the price is inflated due to his exceptional performance this season, but it does not guarantee success in the Premier League.
Everton already have Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Beto, Youssef Chermiti and Lewis Dobbin as their forward options.
Adding another striker to the mix, especially one without Premier League experience, might not be a priority for the club, given their financial situation and the need to strengthen other areas of the squad.
Moreover, the history of players transitioning from the Championship to the Premier League is mixed, with many struggling to replicate their lower-division form in the top flight.
Therefore, Palmer’s scepticism seems justified, given the context and the club’s needs and this seems to be a non starter.
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