Everton have been linked with Real Betis’ Giovani Lo Celso, and some fans would love to have the midfielder at Goodison Park; as he would bring the ‘liquid football league title’ to Merseyside.
Betis only turned his loan move from Paris Saint-Germain into a permanent arrangement at the start of April, in a deal which set the La Liga outfit back €25million (£21.3m).
Despite that, it is suggested that they may be willing to part ways with their midfielder this summer, so long as they recoup near double what they paid the Ligue 1 champions.
The Argentine, valued by TransferMarkt at £36million, had moved to the Benito Villamarin Stadium having struggled to stamp his mark at Les Parc des Princes, but has not had the same struggles in Spain, where he has earned the attention of both Real Madrid and Barcelona.
Tottenham Hotspur have also been linked with the 23-year-old, as the North London outfit search for the man who can fill the void left by Belgium’s Mousa Dembele when he left Spurs for China in January.
So many high-calibre outfits are keeping track of Lo Celso now, as he quickly established his presence in Quique Setien’s side with his ability to help connect his team’s defence and attack, while playing with a freedom to unlock the opponent’s backline even when they look to close the pockets of space he thrives in.
Given a deal would not be cheap, though, not every Everton supporter on the Grand Old Team forum has shared their optimism in a deal, even if some would be over the moon if he joined…
“Giovani Lo Celso. Now this lad looks a player! If he could adapt to the Premiership then he could play in a midfield three. The link up with [Lucas] Digne and Bernard, in particular, would be mouthwatering.” – Buskwhi2 (May 7, 05:10)
“He’s still young, so I’m not sure exactly what kind of midfielder he has the skill set to be, but he is an intriguing player. But I don’t know that he is what we need and I do know that he won’t be coming this summer.” – TheBigIguanna (May 7, 05:21)
“[Andre] Gomes, [Idrissa Gana] Gueye and Lo Celso best give us the liquid football league title next year.” – TheSecondComing (May 7, 07:54)
“Left-footed, quick, can turn and carry the ball, creates and scores plenty, contributes in defence, lots of intercepts, a lot to like about this guy.” – BlueBud (May 7, 08:54)
“I’d say even at £40mil it’s not impossible, Brands said himself we might spend some big fees on quality young players with big potential. Obviously, interest from other clubs might get in our way, but I could certainly see us making one or two high-value purchases this summer.” – BlueBud (May 7, 09:31)
“Can’t believe we haven’t signed anyone yet. Brands out!” – Formerly Manx Toffee (May 7, 12:32)
“I’d be happy with [Kurt] Zouma, Gomes and then a big money centre forward. Maybe a couple of cheap squad players.” – FTY (May 7, 13:48)