Many Everton fans have been reacting on social media to reports by Globo Esporte, claiming the club are struggling to complete a deal for Gremio forward Everton Soares.
The Toffees are believed to have held conversations with the Brazilian outfit regarding a January transfer for the 23-year-old left-winger, but face challenges in completing a move amid concerns over Financial Fair Play.
Director of Football Marcel Brands recently admitted that the club cannot afford to sanction expensive purchases at present, having posted record losses of £111.9mllion after spending between £85m and £150m each window since billionaire Farhad Moshiri secured majority control.
Brands also noted the club’s plans to build a new £500m stadium on the Bramley-Moore Docks as a concern linked to excessive transfer spending, and hopes of signing Everton appear to be affected by those apprehensions.
Globo Esporte understand Everton chiefs are only willing to offer up to €30m (£25.3m) to secure the 14-cap international’s services in the final week of the January market, and the approaching deadline is an added hurdle in our pursuit.
Would Everton Soares be a good addition at Goodison Park?
Yes
No
Agent Giuliano Bertolucci has so far handled the negotiations, and has previously worked on the deals that brought Richarlison and Bernard to Merseyside.
Everton have been tracking Gremio’s Everton for the past year, alongside interest from Arsenal and SSC Napoli, and will have to agree on a fee with multiple parties if we are to secure the attacker’s services.
It is noted that Gremio only hold 50 per cent of Everton’s rights, with the remaining half divided between businessman Gilmar Veloz (30%), former side Fortaleza (10%) and another investor (10%).
If Everton are unable to reach an agreement for the club’s namesake this week, it is expected that his services will be re-explored in the summer.
Everton scored 15 goals and was credited with seven assists in all competitions over the 2019 season, as he helped Gremio reach the Copa Libertadores Semi-Finals and finished the Brazilian Serie A season in fourth place.
Here are some of the messages shared as fans reacted to the impasse we face in signing Everton this week…
So they want him but can’t spend much 🤷🏼♂️ so we aren’t buying him then?
— willzy91 EFC 🇦🇺 (@jarrodwills) January 27, 2020
Going to put this in with the Neres tripe we had over summer. Not happening, not a chance we’re spending any money on a permanent transfer this window either.
— Goal 96 (@Goal1966_) January 27, 2020
Waiting to hear the good news.
— Qtoro Blue (@toffees_tiger) January 27, 2020
Will have to be instalments then! (If it actually happens).
— Nefyn (@nefyn92) January 27, 2020
Won’t be happening this month . Maybe in the summer
— big duncs pigeons (@goodisonblue2) January 27, 2020
🤞🤞🤞
— Jaysmith (@Jayowensmith) January 27, 2020
A down payment with bonuses after 6 months based on performance? Gets to join up with two of his mates in the Prem. I really hope theres something in this rumour. For the most part Richy and Bernie have brought a new dimension, imagine the trio 🤯👍💙
— Manni (@shatteredsynaps) January 27, 2020
Willing to spend up to 30m but can’t spend to much because of FFP what a time to be ali e when 30m isn’t much 😂
— Craig (@CragOnTour) January 27, 2020
In other Everton news, the club are said to be courting a £34million forward.