Everton may need a new right-back this summer if they loan Jonjoe Kenny back to Schalke 04 for another season again and opt against signing Djibril Sidibe on a permanent deal from AS Monaco.
The Toffees have already been linked with Olympique Marseille’s Bouna Sarr, Atletico Madrid’s Santiago Arias and FC Porto’s Jesus Corona among others, but Sport via Sport Witness say they’ve recently contacted Barcelona over Emerson’s availability.
So, who is he?
As per the Daily Mail, Barcelona signed Emerson from Clube Atletico Mineiro last summer, but Real Betis agreed to pay half of his £11.2m transfer fee to keep a percentage of the 21-year-old. Emerson joined Betis on a two-year loan, but Barca have the option to sign him for €6m (£5.25m) in 2021. If the Catalans opt against a move, he can stay at Betis for an agreed fee.
Sport say Everton may have to pay €20m for Emerson’s signature, but it’s confusing how a deal would work midway through his stint at Betis – Los Verdiblancos own 50% of the player’s rights. The Brazilian international has made 24 appearances for Betis this season and the Daily Mail say he’s impressed, so it’s no surprise Everton are keen.
Sport’s story suggests Barca can sign the defender permanently at any point and sell him on to a suitor, so the Toffees’ pursuit could have a happy ending if true.