According to CalcioNapoli24, Everton are yet to meet Napoli’s valuation of Allan, having so far only stumped up €25m + €5m in bonuses. CalcioNapoli24 say the Serie A outfit want €30m up front and a further €5m in bonuses for the Brazilian midfielder, so the ball is now in our court.
What’s gone wrong for Allan at Napoli?
The 29-year-old has made 212 appearances in all competitions for Napoli since joining from Udinese in 2015, scoring 11 goals with 16 assists, but he may have played his final game for Gli Azzurri. Earlier in the season, Allan was one of many players who led a mutiny against president Aurelio De Laurentiis, resulting in him and others being fined.
He’s been out of favour under Gennaro Gattuso too, starting only 7/23 Serie A games since the 42-year-old was appointed manager in December 2019, so an exit has been on the cards for some time. Allan struggled with injuries last season too, so Napoli haven’t had him at his best for some time.
Their loss is our gain, however, as he’ll strengthen a problem area in the Everton midfield and won’t break the bank.
Is he worth the outlay at 29?
Yes. Despite his injury woes and advancing age, Allan would still be a good signing for Everton.
As per WhoScored, he made 23 Serie A appearances last season, scoring one goal with one assist, creating 15 chances, completing 87.4% of his 810 passes, winning 10/17 aerial duels, making 19/28 successful dribbles, blocking 20 shots/passes/crosses, making 10 clearances while averaging a tackle (50) or interception (16) every 19 minutes.
He’s a creative box-to-box player with good composure on the ball and combative qualities, so he’s an upgrade on many of our midfielders.
Would Allan’s arrival force some players to leave?
Possibly. Two players who already have uncertain futures are Fabian Delph and Jean-Philippe Gbamin, so Allan’s arrival could see the pair fall further down the pecking order.
Delph has struggled for form and playing time since joining from Manchester City, resulting in him being linked with a move back to Leeds United. Gbamin has suffered two long-term injuries since joining from 1.FSV Mainz 05 last summer too, so he might be deemed expendable too.
In other news, Everton are interested in Rangers’ midfielder as two players have uncertain futures