Gremio forward Everton Soares celebrates after scoring. (Getty Images)
According to Liverpool Echo, Everton are considering to call off a move for Gremio Striker Everton Soares despite Carlo Ancelotti contacting the Brazilian.
The report claims that the Toffees were heavily linked with a move for Everton in the last two transfer windows but have opted from making a move for him in the summer. The player had also told that the Italian tactician had contacted him over a potential move, according to Globo Esporte via Sport Witness (h/t Liverpool Echo).
Everton Soares, 23, came through the ranks of Fortaleza and Gremio’s youth system. He was promoted to Gremio’s senior squad in 2014 but struggled initially to claim a spot for himself in the team.
However, from 2016, he has been a regular in the squad, making a total of 177 appearances for the Brazilian outfit. In the process, he has scored 47 goals and chalked up 16 assists. He has been impressive in the last three years and his performances earned him a call up to Brazil’s squad for the 2019 Copa America tournament.
He won the tournament with Brazil and ended as the top scorer with three goals, scoring more than the likes of several big names in the competition. He is also a Copa Libertadores Cup winner and has helped the Serie A side lift several other trophies.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti’s men haven’t been fully consistent despite a change in management but have managed to turn around their worst start to the season.
The Toffees would be hoping to finish in a Europa League qualification spot. Despite making progress in the season, Everton have lacked depth in their squad and they should have utilized the January transfer window to bolster their squad.
But they signed just one player – youngster Jarrad Branthwaite from Carlisle United, who is a central defender by trade. And now, they are considering to avoid signing Everton from Gremio, as per the report, and this could prove to be costly for them next season.
The 23-year-old is in the form of his life, having scored 15 goals and registered 7 assists for his club across all competitions in the 2019 season. He ended as the club’s top scorer last term despite playing on the left flank for the majority of the season.
The Brazil international is predominantly a left-winger but is equally capable of working wonders from the other flank. He could prove Ancelotti’s team with some much-needed extra goals and could even form a partnership with Richarlison as they play together for Brazil.
Everton has established himself as a talented player and has also attracted interest from Newcastle and Arsenal. The Toffees rejecting him could prove to be a huge mistake, especially if he signs for any of the Premier League teams mentioned above.
The Copa America winner is a talented player and he has got enough potential to succeed in England, given his recent track record. Therefore, instead of avoiding him, Everton must look for other opportunities to sign him as soon as the summer transfer window reopens.
