Director of Football Marcel Brands has been dealt a huge setback in his efforts to sign River Plate midfielder Santiago Sosa, as La Pagina Millonaria have reported the Argentine’s transfer to Everton is close to falling apart.
The 20-year-old’s summer switch from his native country to the Premier League was thought to be making solid progress over the last few weeks, with it reported that the Toffees had struck an agreement with his Primera Division side.
The fee in question was said to be his €15million release clause (£13.3million), but the deal could not be finalised as we were still working on obtaining his work permit, given he is yet to reach the required threshold of senior international games and has only played five games for River Plate’s first-team.
It is the same issue that has forced Henry Onyekuru to spend his Everton career away from Merseyside on loan. Although, unlike the Nigerian, there was hope in Sosa being granted one as he has European heritage, so qualified for a community (EU) passport.
Unfortunately, however, La Pagina Millonaria understand Sosa’s application for a work permit has been declined as he does not hold an EU passport yet, and must now seek the approval of the Home Office.
This setback is thought to have made Everton chiefs increasingly frustrated, and may now opt against completing his transfer, but the deal is not yet completely cast aside as there will be a hearing into Sosa’s application for a work permit in the coming weeks.
For now, however, here’s how these Toffees supporters reacted to La Pagina Millonaria suggesting the deal could be over…
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