Why Everton are right to snub Barcelona interest in Richarlison
According to Liverpool Echo, Everton are unwilling to sell Richarlison despite receiving interest from La Liga giants Barcelona. The report further suggests that the Brazilian is a vital figure under new manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The report goes on to claim that the Toffees swiftly knocked down Barcelona’s £85m offer for Richarlison but are preparing for interest in the Brazilian to intensify before the transfer deadline day. He was handed a new five-year deal in December to reward his progress.
Richarlison, 22, came through the ranks of America Futebol Clube’s youth system and played half a season for Fluminense before joining Watford in the summer of 2017. After a year at the Vicarage Road, Everton bought him for an initial £35m.
Currently, in his second season at Goodison Park, Richarlison has made 65 appearances. In the process, he has scored 24 goals while providing 24 assists.
Meanwhile, the Toffees have overcome what seemed to be an abysmal season under former manager Marco Silva. Despite playing well under Ancelotti, they have been a tad inconsistent over the past few weeks. Draws against West Ham and Newcastle in the Premier League has not helped their cause.
At the moment, they find themselves at 12th position in the league standings. Speaking of the attacking unit, Richarlison has been consistent throughout the season but he recently picked up a knee injury and has not featured in the last two league games.
The 22-year-old has scored 10 goals and provided 4 assists in 27 games across all competitions in this campaign, forming a good partnership with Dominic Calvert-Lewin upfront.
And with games coming thick and fast, the Blues are right to fend off interest from the La Liga giants for the former Watford man.
The Brazil international has added quality to Everton’s attacking unit and has performed well. Despite the ups and downs in the ongoing campaign, Richarlison has shown no signs of slowing down – as evident from his numbers.
Verdict
Richarlison is capable of playing anywhere along the frontline and his versatile nature often benefits Everton. Therefore, managing to keep the striker at Goodison Park is the best thing that the management has done for the club and its fans.
